Ireland's rivals suffer defeats in friendlies

Belgium eased to a 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland's main Euro 2012 Qualifier Group B rivals Russia in Voronezh.

Romelu Lukaku proved the difference between the two sides with a goal in each half, first tapping home after two minutes when Eden Hazard dispossessed Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev and centred for the Anderlecht striker.

Lukaku added his second 17 minutes from time with a low drive from just inside the area.

Bosnia-Herzegovina defeated the Republic of Ireland's other main Group B rivals Slovakia 3-2 in an entertaining encounter in Bratislava.

Filip Sebo fired Slovakia ahead after three minutes but Haris Medunjanin levelled shortly before the half-hour.

Miralem Pjanic fired Bosnia ahead after 50 minutes and Edin Dzeko made it 3-1 on the hour.

Peter Grajciar pulled one back for the hosts 24 minutes from time but that was the end of the scoring.