Ireland had resisted the Belgium onslaught for the first half, but it all fell apart after 48 minutes.
Belgium took the lead against the Boys In Green in controversial circumstances, with Romelu Lukaku finishing off a counter-attack after Shane Long had a penalty shout ignored at the other end of the field.
Long went down in a heap clutching his head after Toby Alderweireld's boot connected with his dome clearing a looping ball.
Thomas Vermaelen was also involved in the challenge and left his foot dangerously high while contesting for the ball.
However, the referee didn't award the penalty and allowed play to continue with Long rolling around the ground in agony.
Belgium capitalised on the opportunity with a lightening quick break. De Bruyne found himself in possession on the right channel beating James McCarthy for pace before teeing up Lukaku on the edge of the box who coolly applied the finish.
Witsel made it 2-0 soon after before Lukaku bagged his brace to secure the 3-0 win.
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