Belgium thumps Hungary to roar into quarter-finals

Belgium pummelled Hungary 4-0 on Sunday night in the Euro 2016 in France, putting on a blistering display of football to set up a quarter-final clash with Wales.

Captain Eden Hazard gave an inspired performance, including a fine solo goal, as Belgium’s “golden generation” finally showcased the skills that have made them Fifa’s top-ranked European side.

Hazard set up one goal and scored another as Toby Alderweireld, Michy Batshuayi (pictured) and Yannick Carrasco completed a comfortable victory in Toulouse. “We have been criticised,” coach Marc Wilmots said. “But we don’t pay attention to that. We don’t really care what people are saying about us. There’s only one answer to the critics, and that’s on the pitch.”

This is only Belgium’s fifth appearance in the European Championships since 1960 and is their best performance since they lost in the final to West Germany in 1980. Belgium’s opponents in Lille on Friday night are Wales, a side that they beat just once in four games in qualifying for both the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016. Wales held the Red Devils twice in Brussels and won 1-0 in Cardiff just over a year ago.

Photo: Bruno Fahy/BELGA