Belgium beat Kazakhstan to maintain 100 percent record

Belgium kept up their 100 percent record in Euro 2020 qualifiers, as Roberto Martinez's side, who have already booked their spot at the tournament finals, scored a goal in each half to beat hosts Kazakhstan 2-0 on Sunday.

Michy Batshuayi and Thomas Meunier found the net at the Astana Arena as leaders Belgium registered an eighth straight win in Group I.

The top-ranked Belgians were the first team to book a place in next year's 24-team final tournament when they trounced San Marino 9-0 at home on Thursday.

"Everything comes down to the focus of the players," said Martinez after the win at the Astana Arena in the Kazakh capital for the top-ranked side in the FIFA rankings.

"We have an incredible squad. Talent is one thing, but these guys are also great ambassadors for how they interact with the fans.

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"The approach is important and Kazakhstan was another challenge for them. It was adapting, for example, to the artificial turf.

"But if your focus is right, then nothing is a problem. It's great to see these players at work."

Martinez told reporters he was now hoping to finish the last two qualifiers in style. They play Russia in St. Petersburg on Nov. 16 and then finish at home to Cyprus three days later.

"We will do everything we can to finish the campaign in Brussels nicely," he added.

Batshuayi opened the scoring in the 21st minute with an easy back-post finish after Dennis Praet's curled pass around the back of the home defence.

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The second goal came from a sumptuous crossfield pass from captain Eden Hazard, hit from just inside the Kazakhstan half, over to Meunier, who was steaming down the right wing.

His first touch was sublime and his finish inch-perfect to double the score after 53 minutes.

It was the 30th goal of the qualifying campaign for Belgium, who have conceded only one.

Dries Mertens had a chance to make it 3-0 but headed over the top after 65 minutes before providing a square pass just minutes later that a stretching Batshuayi could only steer wide of goal.

Kazakhstan stayed in fourth place in the group with seven points from eight games.