A marquee match-up in Group E as Belgium would face Italy. Both sides sit in the top twelve in the world, with the Belgians ranked second. But it would be the Azzurri that played like a top-tier team. And that performance will help allay fears in Italy, where before the tournament, supporters of their side claimed they were sending their worst ever team to the tournament.

LYON, June 14, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Emanuele Giaccherini (C) of Italy shoots to score during the Euro 2016 Group E soccer match between Belgium and Italy in Lyon, France, June 13, 2016. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

And in a contest with an authentic big-match feel, Emanuele Giaccherini would put Italy ahead after the half-hour mark. Thibaut Courtois is unable to stop the Italian winger from finding the back of the net. It's 1-0.

Belgium then seek an equalizer, and the world's second-ranked side almost get one when Romelu Lukaku is sent clear, but the Everton striker lobs wide of the target.

Italy are playing their familiar counterattack and seal the victory in second half stoppage time. Graziano Pelle fires in a fine volley and hands the 2-0 win to the four-time world cup winners.