It finished 1-0 to Belgium courtesy of former Blue Thorgan Hazard, whose swerving strike from outside the box shortly before half-time proved too hot for Rui Patricio to handle.

Batshuayi remained an unused sub [pictured being embraced by Martinez at full-time top] as the holders pressed for a leveller in a thrilling second half. Diego Jota fired over, Raphael Guerreiro hit a post late on and Thibaut Courtois made a couple of good saves, with Belgium remaining a threat on the break.

Things threatened to boil over at times - the Hazard brothers especially were targeted by Pepe and co – but Belgium dug in and kept their cool to book a meeting with Italy on Friday night. The only concern for Roberto Martinez was the sight of Kevin De Bruyne and, closer to full-time, Eden Hazard both limping off.

Earlier today the Czech Republic defeated the Netherlands 2-0 in Budapest. It is Croatia vs Spain and France against Switzerland tomorrow (Monday).

In the Copa America, Thiago Silva was an unused sub as Brazil and Ecuador drew 1-1 in the fourth and final group game. Brazil had already guaranteed top spot and will find out their quarter-final opponents on Monday.

Real Madrid's Eder Militao, who replaced Thiago Silva in a much-changed Brazil side, opened the scoring before the Ecuadorians levelled in the second half.