Half-Time Report: Marouane Fellaini brace puts Belgium in control against France

Marouane Fellaini has put Belgium on course for a surprise victory over Euro 2016 hosts France at the Stade de France.

The Manchester United midfielder gave Marc Wilmots' side the lead on 17 minutes when Laurent Koscielny's clearing header from a corner fell to Radja Nainggolan and the Roma star stabbed the ball to Fellaini, who tapped in from close range.

Les Bleus tried to hit back instantly when Blaise Matuidi teed up Antoine Griezmann, whose low shot was deflected wide of goal.

France almost fell further behind on 27 minutes when Axel Witsel's pinpoint cross reached the head of Christian Benteke, but his effort was stopped by the fingertips of Hugo Lloris.

Didier Deschamps's men continued to push for an equaliser as first Bacary Sagna and then Griezmann took aim at Thibaut Courtois' goal, but saw their efforts blocked.

Their inability to breach the Belgian defence was punished just before half time when Fellaini's textbook header from Toby Alderweireld's cross left Lloris helpless in the France goal.