Belgium welcomed Cyprus to Brussels on Saturday as both teams continued their Euro 2016 qualification campaign with a clash in Group B.
The home side led 2-0 at the interval courtesy of goals from Marouane Fellaini and Christian Benteke.
Cyprus improved in the early stages of the second period, but Fellaini netted his second for the home side after 66 minutes, before Eden Hazard made it four just one minute later.
Belgium were not finished, however, and added a fifth late on when Michy Batshuayi scored on his international debut.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Euro 2016 qualification coverage continues from Brussels as Belgium welcome Cyprus in Group C. The home nation are on a 13-game unbeaten run in qualification matches, but they have some good to make up in the group. Cyprus, meanwhile, are well positioned after four matches. Let's hope for a cracker this evening.
Before anything else, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news.
TEAMS:
BELGIUM: Courtois; Vertonghen, Kompany, Lombaerts, Alderweireld; Witsel, Nainggolan; Hazard, Fellaini, De Bruyne; Benteke
CYPRUS: Kissas; Kyriakou, Merkis, Lafis, Antoniades; Makris, Nikolaou, Makrides, Laban, Sotiriou; Mytidis
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Belgium XI this evening, with in-form attackers Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard supporting the lone forward Christian Benteke. There is also a spot in the team for Marouane Fellaini, who will operate in the 10 role, while Vincent Kompany will captain the team from defence. There are seven players in the Belgium XI that are based in the Premier League.
Cyprus, meanwhile, will seemingly line up in a 4-5-1 formation this evening. They will be captained by the experienced Constantinos Makridis, while Marios Nicolaou also starts in what is an experienced midfield. Lone forward Nestoras Mytidis, however, is yet to score in any of his 14 international caps.
In total, these two nations have met on seven previous occasions, with Belgium recording six wins and remaining unbeaten in the process. The lone stalemate came in the last competitive meeting between the two sides – a 1-1 draw during qualification for Euro 1996. Since then, they have met just once in a friendly on 1999 and it was Belgium that recorded a 1-0 victory. What will occur this evening?
Belgium are currently on a 13-game unbeaten run in qualification matches – winning nine times in the process. After a successful 2014 World Cup, which saw them reach the quarter-finals in Brazil, Belgium returned to action with a 2-0 friendly win over Australia in September, before opening their Euro 2016 qualification campaign with a thumping 6-0 win over Andorra.
Since then, however, Marc Wilmots side have only picked up two points in back-to-back draws away to Bosnia and at home to Wales last time out. As a result, they sit fourth in Group B, six points behind the leaders Wales, who have just won 3-0 in Israel. In truth, it would be a surprise if Belgium did not top this section when it is all said and done, but Wales will surely have something to say about that.
Cyprus, however, will also have something to say about Belgium's push up the table. As it stands, they occupy third position in the section on six points, but they have played one more game than their opponents this evening. They opened their Group B campaign with a very impressive 2-1 win in Bosnia, but then went down 2-1 at home to Israel in their next match in October.
Cyprus then lost 2-1 in Wales, but returned to winning ways last time out with a 5-0 success at home to Andorra. Cyprus, who are currently ranked at 85 in the world, have never before reached the finals of a European Championship or indeed a World Cup for that matter. However, a positive result this evening would leave them dreaming. Group B is shaping up to be a very interesting battle.
PREDICTION! In truth, I am finding it difficult to look past a home win this evening. Cyprus have shown that they are capable of picking up some good results, but on paper, the game is a mis-match. Belgium have such talent in the final third and I am backing them to record a comfortable 2-0 victory.
The national anthems have been observed and the flags have been exchanged in Brussels, it is time for this Group B clash to get underway. The home side will kick things off inside this noisy stadium.
As expected, Belgium have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes, with De Bruyne and Benteke already seeing plenty of the ball. You just get the feeling that Cyprus need to ride out the opening 10 or 15 minutes if they are to stand a chance of securing a positive result here.
To put into context Cyprus' task this evening - this XI only has three international goals between them. They have been crippled by injuries and indeed have hardly seen the ball in the early moments here.
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. The home supporters are expecting a good display from their side this evening that is for certain. The rain is really hammering down at the moment, meanwhile, which could create plenty of mistakes in defensive areas. Fellaini has the chance to head towards the Cypriot goal, but is a fairly routine save for Kissas.
Belgium continue to threaten as the ball is worked wide to Alderweireld, but the on-loan Southampton defender's cross is collected by Kissas. It is simply all one-way traffic in the opening minutes here.
Belgium are playing some super football in the early moments, but a loose pass from Alderweireld allows Cyprus to gain some respite. The home side are threatening to make the breakthrough.
CHANCE! First real chance for Belgium as Alderweireld delivers a super cross into Witsel, but Merkis just does enough to put the midfielder off. Cyprus are just about hanging on at the moment.
Cyprus are attempting the slow the game whenever possible by picking up free kicks, but they are struggling to make their mark in the final third. Again Belgium break through the midfield before Alderweireld is released, but Cyprus have a decent shape and manage to repel the threat.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Hazard slides a wonderful pass into De Bruyne, who turns before firing towards the bottom corner, but Kissas is on hand to make a super save.
Belgium are all over Cyprus like a rash at the moment. It is non-stop pressure.
Pass, pass, pass as Belgium continue to probe outside the Cyprus box. Surely it is only a matter of time before the home team make the breakthrough. They are so full of beans at the moment in Brussels.
CHANCE! Yet another chance for Belgium as Alderweireld finds the head of Witsel at the far post, but the midfielder heads over the crossbar. How on earth is this game still level?
Cyprus have just managed to gain a respite as a couple of players hit the deck and stay there.
Antoniades has been patched up and it does appear that the defender will be fit to continue. Courtois has been a spectator in the Belgium goal thus far with 18 minutes on the clock in Brussels.
Nainggolan is next to try his luck for the home side, but Laifis makes a fine block as Cyprus survive once again. The visitors are still playing with 10 men as Antoniades continues to receive treatment.
GOAL! Belgium 1-0 Cyprus (Fellaini)
Belgium take the lead with 21 minutes on the clock as Fellaini spins inside the Cyprus box before rattling one into the bottom corner. Excellent work from the midfielder and the hosts have their lead.
In truth, the goal had been coming and you have to fear for Cyprus in this position. Belgium could be three or four goals ahead already. The good news for the away side is that Antoniades has returned.
Mytidis gains a welcome respite for Cyprus after winning a free kick from Kompany, but the home side clear the danger fairly easily. Cyprus just have to find a way of staying in this game at the moment.
Some of the football from Belgium this evening has been absolutely wonderful as they pass and probe in the final third. Witsel again breaks forward from midfield, but he is penalised for handball. The home supporters are really enjoying their night at the moment. The atmosphere is wonderful in the ground.
Fellaini has been absolutely everywhere for the home team this evening, but the midfielder is penalised for a foul on Laifis as Cyprus manage to stem the flow once again. Still 1-0 to Belgium here.
CHANCE! Another super chance for Belgium as Hazard lashes one towards the bottom corner, but Kissas is on hand to make a really good stop. Good grief it could be five or six here.
Another half-chance for Belgium as Hazard feeds Benteke, who places one towards the bottom corner, but again, Kissas is on hand to make the save. Little over 10 minutes of the half remaining here.
GOAL! Belgium 2-0 Cyprus (Benteke)
Belgium have their second of the match as Benteke heads a super Hazard cross into the back of the net. Hazard had been threatening and Benteke made absolutely no mistake from close range!
Cyprus skipper Makridis is fortunate to escape a yellow card after diving into a late challenge with Lombaerts. The away side are in danger of losing their heads as we approach the break here.
You look at this Belgium team and you have to think that they will be contenders for Euro 2016 - should they qualify of course. It is packed full of talent and absolutely frightening going forward.
Mytidis does well to hold off Kompany before combining with Laban in the final third, but the return pass is not good enough and Courtois is on hand to collect. Just a reminder that Wales currently sit top of Group B, but victory for Belgium this evening would move them to within three points of the summit.
The home side have another half-chance as Nainggolan delivers an excellent cross towards Benteke, but Merkis just does enough to clear. Hazard strikes one moments later, but it moves just wide.
The opening 44 minutes of this match have absolutely flown past it must be said.
SAVE! Kissas makes another stunning save as the Cyprus goalkeeper keeps out Witsel, who seemingly had the simple task of firing home from close range. Great reactions there!
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes at the end of the half.
Cyprus could do with the break as Belgium continue to press forward. De Bruyne delivers a super cross towards the near post, but Benteke was just leaning offside. That should be just about that.
HALF-TIME: Belgium 2-0 Cyprus
Well, that was some first half from Belgium. The home side lead 2-0 courtesy of goals from Fellaini and Benteke, but in truth, it could easily be five or six. They have utterly dominated the half from the start to finish, with Cyprus struggling to stem the flow of pressure. This could yet turn into a real hiding.
STATS! Belgium have dominated the possession with 66%, while they have had 15 attempts - seven of which were on target. Cyprus, on the other hand, have not managed a single attempt. In truth, it is one of the most one-sided games I have seen in some time. Belgium look very strong.
BENCH WATCH! The home side have an embarrassment of riches on their bench this evening, with the likes of Chadli, Dembele, Ferreira, Mertens and Origi all in reserve. Cyprus, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Economides, Englezou and Kastanos. Will we see any changes at the break?
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Cyprus find a route back into this match? It will be very difficult. The away side get the second half underway.
No changes from either side at the break, which is not that surprising at this stage. However, I suspect that alterations will occur if the score remains 2-0 for the next 15, 20 minutes here.
As expected, Belgium have started the second period on the front foot, with Cyprus already dropping very deep. Just a reminder that the away side have still not had a single attempt on goal thus far.
Finally a half-chance for Cyprus as Mytidis meets a cross from Makris, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. If Cyprus can just get one goal back then it would be very much game on here.
The away side have managed to repel the pressure from Belgium in the last couple of minutes and enjoy some good possession in the final third, but they are so vulnerable to the counter attack.
Marc Wilmots has just left his technical area to remind his team of their duties in the second period. Belgium's level has dropped a little, which is allowing the visitors more space in the final third.
Still no movement on either bench, but I suspect that both managers will be considering changes as we approach the hour mark in Brussels. There is no question that Belgium have more talent on the sidelines this evening. Fellaini remains an energetic performer for the home side in this second half.
Half-chance for the home side as Fellaini works the ball wide to Hazard, who delivers towards the near post, but Benteke cannot make contact under pressure from Merkis. Cyprus are preparing a change.
SUB! Cyprus make their first change as Laban is replaced by Economides.
Little over 30 minutes of this Group B qualifier remaining and Belgium still lead 2-0 courtesy of first-half goals from Fellaini and Benteke. Cyprus have certainly been more of a threat since the interval, however, with Mytidis offering more in the final third. Can the visitors find just one goal here?
Belgium have been guilty of taking their eye off the ball in the last 10 minutes or so.
Hazard wants a penalty as he goes down inside the box under a challenge from Merkis, but the referee is not interested. It was a strong challenge, but the defender just about got enough of the ball. We have not seen too much from the home side's attack for some time now. Changes could be on their way.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Hazard sets up Benteke inside the Cyprus box, but the striker's effort is straight at Kissas. Best Belgian chance for some time here.
GOAL! Belgium 3-0 Cyprus (Fellaini)
Belgium have their third of the night as Fellaini collects a pass on the edge of the box before bending one into the top corner. Sensational effort from the Manchester United midfielder. Game, set, match.
GOAL! Belgium 4-0 Cyprus (Hazard)
It is raining goals here! Belgium have their fourth of the evening as Hazard dances into the Cyprus box before bending one into the far corner. Wonderful work from the Chelsea man. Four for Belgium here.
Well, Cyprus were doing pretty well, but they have again been blown away by two excellent goals.
SUBS! Belgium make their first change as Fellaini is replaced by Ferreira-Carrasco for his international debut. Dries Mertens quickly follows in place of the excellent Hazard.
SUB! Cyprus make their second change as Eleftheriou replaces Makris.
Belgium are not finished here as they continue to commit numbers in the final third. De Bruyne again delivers a super cross towards the near post, but Benteke cannot make contact at the vital moment.
Kompany takes matters into his own hands after showing excellent feet inside the box, but the Belgian skipper then fires high and wide and can afford a smile to his teammates. Very ambitious there!
Little over 15 minutes of football remaining and Belgium are heading for a very comfortable three points here. This result will send out a message around European football there is no doubt.
Belgium are preparing to make their third and final change and it is another wonderful youngster...
... SUB! Benteke is replaced by Batshuayi for his international debut.
The home side continue to threaten as they force another corner, but Cyprus manage to clear at the near post. You just get the feeling that there is at least one more goal in this match tonight.
GOAL! Belgium 5-0 Cyprus (Batshuayi)
Batshuayi is up and running in international football as the youngster capitalises on some poor Cyprus defending before bending one into the bottom corner. Some moment for the striker!
Cyprus have not been particularly good this evening, but Belgium have been just exceptional.
SUB! Cyprus make their third and final change as Makridis is replaced by Kastanos.
Little over three minutes of normal time remaining and the home side are very comfortable at this stage of proceedings. It has been a wonderful night for Belgian football that is for certain.
Belgium continue to threaten as Batshuayi makes another run behind the Cypriot defence, but the striker was in an offside position when he collected a pass from De Bruyne. Still 5-0 to the hosts.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes.
Belgium are moving above Cyprus into third position in Group B. Wales remain top, while Israel sit second. It is shaping up to be some battle to qualify from this section!
FULL-TIME: Belgium 5-0 Cyprus
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Belgium running out 5-0 winners in Brussels. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
