Belgium Thrashes Hungary 4-0 to Advance to Quarter Finals

Belgium’s Eden Hazard put the match beyond Hungary’s reach.

Belgium’s Toby Alderweireld scores the opening goal past Hungary’s goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly, during the Euro 2016 round of 16 soccer match. (Photo: AP)

A superb performance by Eden Hazard guided Belgium to a 4-0 victory over Hungary on Sunday and a place in the European Championship quarterfinals.

Center back Toby Alderweireld opened the scoring with a header in the 10th minute after poor marking by the Hungary defense.

But Belgium had to wait until the closing stages before cruising to a convincing victory at the Stadium de Toulouse, thanks to some moments of brilliance from Hazard.

The Chelsea playmaker surged past a group of Hungary defenders on the left side before supplying a perfect low cross for substitute Michy Batshuayi to steer home in the 78th minute, just two minutes after coming on.

Hazard followed up almost immediately with a spectacular solo goal, breaking down the left on another counter-attack before cutting inside, skipping past three Hungary defenders and curling a shot into the bottom right corner.

Yannick Ferreira Carrasco scored his team’s fourth in added time as Belgium lined up a quarterfinal against Wales on Friday in Lille.

It was a great match. Beyond my goal, it was a great collective performance. We created a lot of chances and finished enough of them.

Eden Hazard

Hungary paid for an early defensive lapse that left its players chasing the game and exposed to Belgium’s attacks on the break.

Despite the early blow, Hungary defended robustly and looked dangerous at times. however they had no such luck in the closing stages, as Hazard put the match beyond their reach.