31st August, 2017
Romelu Lukaku and Thomas Meunier both scored hat-tricks as Belgium beat Gibraltar 9-0 despite playing a man short for 42 minutes.
Paris St-Germain right-back Meunier also provided four assists, setting up two of Manchester United striker Lukaku’s three goals, while Chelsea’s Eden Hazard also scored on his return from an ankle injury.
Belgium were reduced to 10 men when midfielder Axel Witsel, scorer of their fourth goal, was sent off for a dangerous challenge five minutes before half-time.
Gibraltar defender Erin Barnett was then sent off in the 82nd minute for a professional foul on Kevin De Bruyne, before Lukaku completed his hat-trick with the resulting penalty.
Roberto Martinez’s side increased their lead at the top of Group H to six points after Greece, in second, were held 0-0 at home by Estonia.
It means Belgium will secure qualification for the finals in Russia if they win in Greece on Sunday.
Bosnia-Herzegovina missed the chance to move above Greece, letting slip a two-goal lead as they lost 3-2 in Cyprus.
The home side scored three goals in the final 25 minutes, with Pieros Sotiriou’s deflected winner set up by Southend full-back Jason Demetriou.
-BBC Sports