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Reuters
Reuters
Sport

Belgium's Hazard brothers take chances in win over Cyprus

Soccer Football - 2018 World Cup Qualifications - Europe - Belgium vs Cyprus - Heysel Stadium, Brussels, Belgium - October 10, 2017 Belgium players celebrate after the game REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Belgium's Eden Hazard scored twice and his brother Thorgan also got on the scoresheet in a 4-0 win over Cyprus as the already-qualified Group H leaders wrapped up their World Cup campaign on Tuesday.

Belgium were the first European side to secure a place in the tournament in Russia next year, while Cyprus arrived in Brussels knowing they would not be joining them. With little but pride at stake, Belgium showed why they are fifth in the world rankings with a totally one-sided win to make it nine victories from 10 in the group.

Coach Roberto Martinez changed five of his starting line-up from the 4-3 win in Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday, with midfielder Kevin De Bruyne among those given some rest and Marouane Fellaini injured.

Soccer Football - 2018 World Cup Qualifications - Europe - Belgium vs Cyprus - Heysel Stadium, Brussels, Belgium - October 10, 2017 Belgium’s Eden Hazard celebrates scoring their third goal with Thorgan Hazard REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

The result appeared settled in the 12th minute when Eden Hazard found the far corner of the net with a curling right-footed shot.

Thorgan, starting for the first time with his brother, scored Belgium's second shortly after half-time, pouncing when goalkeeper Constantinos Panagi could only parry Michy Batshuayi's shot into his path.

The older Eden then slotted in from the penalty spot after a handball from defender Giorgos Merkis. Romelu Lukaku, returning from injury, later muscled past Cyprus defender Giorgos Merkis for Belgium's fourth.

Soccer Football - 2018 World Cup Qualifications - Europe - Belgium vs Cyprus - Heysel Stadium, Brussels, Belgium - October 10, 2017 Belgium’s Eden Hazard in action with Cyprus’ Fanos Katelaris REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

Lukaku was unlucky not to score a second two minutes from time, when he was adjudged offside, although replays showed him in line with the last defender when played through.

On a largely celebratory night, home defender Jan Vertonghen also became Belgium's most capped player, his 97th moving him ahead of Jan Ceulemans, who presented the record holder with a framed commemorative shirt before kickoff.

Soccer Football - 2018 World Cup Qualifications - Europe - Belgium vs Cyprus - Heysel Stadium, Brussels, Belgium - October 10, 2017 Belgium’s Eden Hazard scores their third goal from the penalty spot REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; Editing by Ken Ferris and Christian Radnedge)

Soccer Football - 2018 World Cup Qualifications - Europe - Belgium vs Cyprus - Heysel Stadium, Brussels, Belgium - October 10, 2017 Belgium’s Michy Batshuayi in action with Cyprus’ Laifis Konstantinos and Giorgios Merkis REUTERS/Francois Lenoir
Soccer Football - 2018 World Cup Qualifications - Europe - Belgium vs Cyprus - Heysel Stadium, Brussels, Belgium - October 10, 2017 Cyprus’ Grigoris Kastanos in action with Belgium’s Thomas Meunier REUTERS/Francois Lenoir
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