Belgium exposed a huge gap in class with the Republic of Ireland to easily defeat them 3-0 in their European Nations clash in Bordeaux.

Belgium are rated second in the world, and they revealed why with a display that had Ireland in trouble right from the kick off.

Ireland defended desperately in that first half and somehow held Belgium scoreless. Meanwhile, their main attacking gambit was long hopeful kicks up the field to striker Shane Long who was hopelessly outnumbered.

We're not bitter but...a slightly high foot on Shane Long ahead of the Belgian opener? https://t.co/EJutXmsdRk pic.twitter.com/Vr9nxH5uq0

— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 18, 2016

It looked like the bad old Ireland of old when playing under Giovanni Trapattoni who always relied on a boring defensive alignment.

Under Martin O’Neill Ireland had supposedly left that style of play behind but the first half showed an unwelcome return to the old tactics.

Belgium 3_0 Ireland#euro2016 pic.twitter.com/IbqLg2OTXQ

— ziedoon nasseer (@zalrawi) June 18, 2016

Belgium scores big 3-0 win over Ireland at #EURO2016 - https://t.co/Cyg8vSHhMr pic.twitter.com/LOEimsJ5aj

— CBC Sports (@cbcsports) June 18, 2016

At halftime the Irish had survived, but it only seemed a matter of time.

And indeed it was, when Belgium scored in a breakaway attack just two minutes into the second half when their impressive striker Lukaku scored. Lukaku was to add another to grab two goals in total while Witsel in between Lukaku’s two scores headed home a beautifully weighted cross.

Ireland had simply no answer and revealed a huge lack of depth and class.

Ireland now face elimination unless they can defeat Italy on Wednesday night and even then they are no guarantee to qualify.