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Belgium have opened their World Cup finals account with all three points after defeating Panama 3-0 at the Fisht Olympic stadium on Tuesday morning.
Re-live the game with The Roar’s live blog.
The first half could not have gone any better for Panama. They came out with a clear game plan and frustrated the Belgians.
This wonderful Belgian outfit that we saw on paper could not find a way to break down a stubborn Panama.
Panama didn’t offer anything going forward, but they accepted well before the match that they weren’t going to beat Belgium playing an adventurous brand of football.
Eden Hazard came the closest in the first half when he was given a bit of time and space, but it was well saved from Panama’s ‘keeper Jaime Penedo.
Eden Hazard in Belgium colours. (AP Photo/Amel Emric)
There was also another close moment when Roman Torres accidently played in Yannick Carrasco after his back pass lacked power, but the angle was completely against the Belgian.
With the game a stalemate at half time, Belgium needed to go up another gear in the second half, and that is exactly what happened.
Dries Mertens opened the scoring 47 minutes in with a fantastic volley, and from that moment on, Panama never looked like getting anything from the game.
Romelu Lukaku, who had a very quiet first half, found his best form when he doubled his side’s lead 69 minutes in.
It really was a goal of the highest order after Kevin De Bruyne played a dream pass which Lukaku was able to head in with ease.
Lukaku then got his second after a quick counter-attack which allowed Hazard to put him through.
Belgium won’t be getting carried away with themselves, but they know they are a significant chance to challenge all the way.
As for Panama, there were positives to take. They had the odd moment of quality going forward, but their defence in the first half was to be applauded.
Nonetheless, Belgium gained all three points and will move onto Tunisia. For Panama, they face England next up.
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