Romelu Lukaku led Belgium to a 3-0 victory away at Sweden on a night Zlatan Ibrahimovic became the oldest player to feature in a European qualifying match.
A hat-trick from the Inter Milan striker secured the win for new manager Domenico Tedesco, after Roberto Martinez left his position following Belgium’s group stage exit at the World Cup.
Sweden came close to scoring first when Dejan Kulusevski’s shot was cleared off the line by Wout Faes.
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Then, Arthur Theate’s header was brilliantly denied by Robin Olsen at the other end, before a stunning cross from Dodi Lukebakio was flicked into the back of the net by Lukaku in the 35th minute.
Samuel Gustafsson nearly equalised three minutes later with a half-volley, only for Thibaut Courtois to parry it away and Emil Forsberg’s dangerous cross wasn’t met.
Early in the second half, more brilliance from Lukebakio saw him dart past Forsberg after a short corner and drove the ball across the goal for a Lukaku tap in.
Sweden had a couple of chances but struggled in the final third, so Ibrahimovic was brought on for the final 17 minutes by Janne Andersson to become the oldest player to feature in a European qualifying match at the age of 41 years and 172 days.
It made little difference though as substitute Johan Bakayoko drove past two defenders, into the box and fed Lukaku, who finished off the move with an easy finish for his third.
Ibrahimovic had a half-chance near the end, but his header was easily saved by Courtois as Belgium got their qualifying campaign off to a perfect start.
Belgium are not top of Group F though because Austria beat Azerbaijan 4-1, so are ahead on goals scored.
Two goals inside the first three minutes from the Czech Republic stunned Poland in Group E, with both sides finding the back of the net once after the frantic start which gave the home side a 3-1 victory.
A late Moldova penalty salvaged a 1-1 draw for them against the Faroe Islands in the other game from that group.
Serbia are at the top of Group G thanks to their 2-0 win as Montenegro beat Bulgaria 1-0.
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