Batshuayi leads Belgium 2-0 over Iceland

Brussels, Nov 16 (IANS) Michy Batshuayi had a brace to lead Belgium to a 2-0 win over Iceland in a UEFA Nations League contest. The Red Devils, who lead League A Group 2 with nine points from three matches, need only a draw on Sunday against Switzerland to secure a berth in the final stage of the competition, reports Efe news. For Iceland, without a point, the result marks the end of their adventure in the inaugural Nations League. The visitors played a disciplined, defensive-minded match under dense fog at King Baudouin Stadium here on Thursday and managed to keep the potent Belgians off the scoreboard until the 63rd minute when Youri Tielemans relayed a magnificent Eden Hazard cross to Batshuayi in the box and the Valencia forward struck home. Thorgan Hazard, Eden's younger brother, was the architect of the second goal, setting up a shot by Hans Vanaken. While Iceland keeper Hannes Halldorsson made the initial stop, he failed to clear and Batshuayi converted in the 81st minute to make it 2-0. --IANS