Belgium grabbed a well-earned 3-0 victory over Czech Republic thanks to first half goals from Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard, with Alexis Saelemaekers netting a third after the break to extend their lead over the second placed Czechs to six points.
Roberto Martinez’s side got off to a great start in Brussels and grabbed an early lead eight minutes in through Lukaku, who found the back of the net with an effort from the edge of the box.
Yannick Carrasco and Lukaku squandered one chance each, but Hazard didn’t miss the opportunity to score one of his own just before the break to double Belgium’s lead.
Czech Republic tried to react and pushed forwards, but Tomas Soucek’s strike was saved by Thibaut Courtois, who also denied Matej Vydra in a one-on-one situation in the second half.
Then, Jindrich Stanek, who came off the bench in the first half to replace Tomas Vaclik between the posts, produced a fine save to deny Lukaku and Courtois pulled off another brilliant save, this time to deny Adam Hlozek.
Eager to put the game to bed, Lukaku teed up Saelemaekers, who unleashed a strike from inside the box to find the back of the net 65 minutes in.
Jaromir Zmrhal wasted another opportunity for the Czech Republic to at least pull one back and Belgium grabbed all three points.
The Belgians top Group E with 13 points, while Czech Republic have gathered seven points from five games. Meanwhile, Wales have six points, followed by fourth-placed Belarus with three, while Estonia sit bottom of the group with no points.
