Belgium 3-1 Russia: The bags of Eden Hazard prepare for the victory of Roberto Martinez's men

Eden Hazard scored two goals as Belgium recovered from a fumble of Thibaut Courtois to beat Russia 3-1 on Thursday and begin its qualifying campaign for the European Championship on a summit.

The World Cup semi-finalist took the lead in the 14th minute thanks to a low shot by Yuri Tielemans at the end of the box, but Courtois let Russia take the advantage two minutes later.

Real Madrid's goalkeeper was taken into possession by Russian striker Artem Dzyuba and hastily pbaded the ball directly to Denis Cheryshev, who dubbed Courtois and scored.

Yuri Tielemans escaped the edge of the box to give Belgium the advantage on Thursday

Russian striker Denis Cheryshev celebrated after bringing the visitors to a tie

Eden Hazard fell to the surface under the challenge of Yuri Zhirkov to win a penalty

Belgium's pace and creativity put the Russian defense to the test and were rewarded when Hazard broke into the penalty area and was stumbled by Yuri Zhirkov's back leg.

Hazard hit hard in the 45th minute to give the goal to Guilherme, the Brazil-born goalkeeper born in Brazil.

As Russia progressed late, Belgium took advantage of the gap behind and Michy Batshuayi hit the post in the 79th.

Belgian players congratulate Hazard after converting from place to 2-1

Hazard swept the ball into the corner of the net to grab his second goal and seal the win

Hazard made it 3-1 up close at 88th. Belgium has won six of eight matches since losing to France in the World Cup semi-finals.

Russia finished with 10 men when Monaco midfielder Alexander Golovin received a second yellow card for sending the shot to an opponent.