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Hazard v De Bruyne

Belgium are finally on song in Euro 2016 and dynamic duo Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard are driving the revival

SunSport looks at how the Chelsea and Manchester City stars did in their emphatic 3-0 Group E win over the Rep of Ireland

Belgium training

BELGIUM flopped in their opener against Italy, sparking claims of divisions in a star-studded squad boasting Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard.

Here’s how the attacking duo fared against the Irish.

Eden Hazard
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Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard had a poor Premier League season but is now looking impressive with Belgium at Euro 2016 with team-mate Kevin De BruyneCredit: Reuters
Eden Hazard
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Chelsea's out-of-form Eden Hazard misses a chance during the Euro 2016 Group E match between Belgium and Republic of Ireland but enjoyed the 3-0 winCredit: Getty Images

TEAMWORK: Marc Wilmots’ men lacked fluidity and unity against the Italians, but this was a different story.

De Bruyne and Hazard both put in shifts to help get the Belgians up and running.

INFLUENCE: De Bruyne and Hazard were a constant threat, stretching the Irish defence with ease and it was little surprise the Manchester City and Chelsea stars both finished with an assist each.

Kevin De Bruyne
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Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City Belgium takes a shot on goal during the Euro 2016 Group E match between Belgium and Republic of IrelandCredit: Getty Images
Kevin de Bruyne
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Wes Hoolahan and Robbie Brady of Republic of Ireland close down Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium during the one-sided Euro 2016 Group E matchCredit: Getty Images

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Eden Hzard and Kevin De Bruyne
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Belgium's forward Eden Hazard (L) and Belgium's midfielder Kevin De Bruyne take part in a training session at the Matmut Atlantique Stadium in BordeauxCredit: Getty Images
Belgium training
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Belgium's forward Eden Hazard (2ndR), Belgium's midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (2nd L) and Belgium's defender Nicolas Lombaerts (L) take part in trainingCredit: Getty Images
Belgium training
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Belgian players Romelu Lukaku, left, Eden Hazard, 2nd left, Kevin De Bruyne, 2nd right, and Christian Benteke smile during the team's training sessionCredit: AP:Associated Press

VERDICT: There were few signs of a divide in this camp.

The win and performances from Belgium’s two attacking aces will boost a side who appeared low on confidence in the first game.

Not now.

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