Supp. Eleven 'Romelu Lukaku, Belgium Go Top'

Romelu Lukaku has surged forward in the race for the World Cup's Golden Boot after a commanding performance for Belgium in today's match against minnows Tunisia in Group G. Roberto Martinez named an unchanged side from their opening exchange against Panama, with the trident of Lukaku, Hazard and Merten’s looking to display their worth on the biggest stage. Belgium started at a high tempo, similar to the way England did a handful of days earlier against the same side. After threatening quickly, Eden Hazard was brought down on the edge of the 18 yard box and a penalty was awarded; the Chelsea man drove a fantastic effort convincingly into the bottom corner and Belgium were well on their way.

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Romelu Lukaku made in 2-0 after dispatching an effort in the 16th minute as the Belgian’s looked as if they could score at every movement forward. They were enterprising, enthralling and the system allowed for so much attacking fluidity. Just two minutes on, however, the Tunisian’s struck. Right back Bronn’s goal came against the run of play after Wahbi Khazri delivered from a set piece - unmarked, the fullback headed home and the game was blown wide open; the Belgian’s can not afford to have such significant lapses in concentration in the latter stages of the competition as they will be punished severely. After the goal it proved a thrilling period; chances came and went for both sides but no breakthroughs were made for a large chunk of the half. Just on the cusp of half time, in the third minute of added time, the electric Lukaku emulated his delicate chip from the first game, delightfully dinking the ball over Goalkeeper Ben Mustapha - the goal allowed the Europeans to deservedly go into the break with a two-goal lead.

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The second 45 continued in the same vein as the first, minus the goals. Belgium went close on many an occasion and looked comfortable in their lead for large periods. Lukaku, on the verge of a hat trick, was subbed with a niggle and replaced by contract rebel and club teammate Marouane Fellaini. The expanse of chances they were creating paid off when forward Michy Batshuayi converted 6 yards out - this before formed Sunderland man Khazri, Tunisia’s star man, got one of his own after a smart turn. Overall it was a convincing performance for the Belgian’s and a result Tunisia will not be ashamed of. Belgium will progress, with England looking good to challenge them in topping the group.

Elsewhere, the disappointing German’s took on solid Sweden in Sochi. After a positive start with a penalty shout, Ola Toivonon placed a delicate effort above the head of Manuel Neuer and gave the defensively staunch Swedish the lead. The match was evenly poised, and the underdogs created many chances leaving Joachim Low sweating. Three minutes after the break, Marco Reus, a player whose career has been plagued by injury, finally turned up on the international stage and set the tie even. Germany dominated the second half but it appeared as if they would not take all three points and, like their 2014 final counterparts Argentina, would struggle to make it out of the group. But, with the very last kick of the game Real Madrid midfielder Kroos delivered a decisive effort from a set piece to the left of the 18 yard box. The strike gifted the German’s a hugely important three points; they will now look to progress.Mexico also beat South Korea, securing their second victory of the tournament and securing their place in the knockout stages: a huge win for Mexican football.