Ogunjimi downs Kazakhstan with debut double

Two second-half goals on his international debut from Marvin Ogunjimi got Belgium off the mark in UEFA EURO 2012 Group A.

Both these sides suffered two losses in September and at the break it seemed as if they might have to settle for a first qualifying point each. But Ogunjimi was then brought off the bench for his first senior appearance and scored after 52 and 70 minutes to break ten-man Kazakhstan's hearts.

Kazakhstan had held Belgium to two draws in UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying and the home side began in confident mood, keeping goalkeeper Logan Bailly busy. In the 30th minute Nurbol Zhumaskaliyev shot over after a fine run down the wing from Genrikh Shmidtgal but Kazakhstan could not produce a breakthrough and were made to pay.

KRC Genk forward Ogunjimi was introduced at the break in place of Romelu Lukaku, and within seven minutes had his first goal. Jelle Vossen pounced on a pass from Aleksandr Kislitsyn to Aleksei Popov and shot from distance; Kazakhstan keeper Andrei Sidelnikov could not hold on to the ball and Ogunjimi was in position to slot in. Kazakhstan pushed forward and had a goal disallowed, but after 68 minutes Kislitsyn received a second yellow card.

Within four minutes it was 2-0, Ogunjimi again pouncing on a Sidelnikov parry. Belgium will aim to build on their victory when they welcome Austria to Brussels on Tuesday, when Germany are Kazakhstan's next visitors to the Astana Arena.