UPDATE 1-Soccer-Belgium beat Kazakhstan to maintain 100 percent record

Belgium kept up their 100 percent record in Euro 2020 qualifiers, as Roberto Martinez's side, who have already booked their spot at the tournament finals, scored a goal in each half to beat hosts Kazakhstan 2-0 on Sunday.

Michy Batshuayi and Thomas Meunier found the net at the Astana Arena as leaders Belgium registered an eighth straight win in Group I. The top-ranked Belgians were the first team to book a place in next year’s 24-team final tournament when they trounced San Marino 9-0 at home on Thursday.

Batshuayi opened the scoring in the 21st minute with an easy back-post finish after Dennis Praet’s curled pass around the back of the home defense. The second goal came from a sumptuous crossfield pass from captain Eden Hazard, hit from just inside the Kazakhstan half, over to Meunier, who was steaming down the right-wing.

His first touch was sublime and his finish inch-perfect to double the score after 53 minutes. It was the 30th goal of the qualifying campaign for Belgium, who have conceded only one.

Dries Mertens had a chance to make it 3-0 but headed over the top after 65 minutes before providing a square pass just minutes later that a stretching Batshuayi could only steer wide of goal. Kazakhstan stayed in fourth place in the group with seven points from eight games.

 

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