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Reds in Russia: Lethal Lukaku scores another brace in seven goal thriller

Lukaku chases World Cup Golden Boot as Belgium thrash Tunisia 5-2

Belgium v Tunisia: Group G - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Belgium 5-2 Tunisia

Romelu Lukaku continues his fine scoring form as the Manchester United striker scores twice in the first-half to crush Tunisia 5-2.

Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard opened the scoring from the penalty spot after just six minutes. He was fouled on the edge of the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot; after a VAR conformation, the decision stood and Hazard finished with composure.

Belgium started the game strongly and grabbed their second 10 minutes later. Dries Mertens' through ball placed Lukaku on his favored left foot, the striker bided his time before unleashing a clinical strike into the bottom corner.

Belgium looked like they would run away with the game, but Tunisia had other ideas. Minutes later, they responded with a goal of their own. A wide set-piece was met by the head of Dylan Bronn, flicking it past the reaching Thibaut Courtois.

However, any chance of a comeback was seemingly crushed after a first-half stoppage time goal from Lukaku. The Manchester United number nine got his second of the day – fourth of the tournament – with a sensational delicate chip over the oncoming goalkeeper. The striker showed versatility with his feet, this goal coming on his right foot.

Lukaku's consecutive double means that he joins the elite Diego Maradona who also achieved a feat of scoring 2+ goals in consecutive world cup games back in 1986.

Belgium started the second-half in a much deeper, counter-attacking positional style. Any danger of them resting on their laurels and consolidating their advantage were dismissed when Hazard grabbed his second of the day.

Hazard was set through via a simple long ball, he took it excellently on his chest before rounding the goalkeeper with superb awareness and slotting the ball into the empty net.

Romelu Lukaku's excellent afternoon was cut short after taking a small knock in the first-half. It appeared a precautionary change and one that was acceptable for Roberto Martinez, due to the emphatic lead his side had. Lukaku was replaced by fellow Manchester United man Marouane Fellaini after 60 minutes.

Belgium continued to control the game, with Fellaini solidifying their midfield presence effectively.

Substitute Michy Batshuayi made it 5-1 after missing several chances since coming on. The Dortmund striker latched onto a wide cross, and converted the chance into the bottom right corner.

The scoring wasn't quite finished though. In stoppage time, a fluid Tunisia move was finished off by Wahbi Khazri to give the African side a consolation.

Belgium were excellent this afternoon. Their star men Hazard and Lukaku are lighting up the World Cup so far, and although Martinez's side have their weaknesses, they are truly an exciting team to spectate.

The Red Devils are essentially through, depending on how England fare against Panama tomorrow. An England win would send the two through to the knock-out stages, with the winner of the group to be determined when they meet on June, 28.