FIFA World Cup 2018: Belgium takes measure of debutants Panama, wins 3-0
After a barren first half, Belgium came to its elements to score thrice without reply to nose out the challenge of debutants Panama in a group G match of the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Sochi on Monday.
Red Devils, as the Belgium team is known in soccer circles, were surprisingly held to a goalless in the first half by the Central American team playing its first ever World Cup finals.
Belgium, an experienced and highly ranked team - it had finished fourth in 1986 - gave nothing away in the second half after Dries Mertenes scored a gem of a goal from a dipping volley to beat Jaime Penedo in the Panama goal. Jaime Penedo, had otherwise a good match executing some brilliant saves.
But once the goalless barrier had been crossed, R. Lukaku, added two more, one of a lovely pass from De Bruyne while other a brilliant solo effort to seal the fate of Panama and earn maxim three points for his team from the opening group game.
Only time Belgium had lost group match was way back in 1986.
After Sweden scored a solitary goal win over South Korea, the flattering win of Belgium over Panama consolidated the grip of European teams in this ongoing mega soccer event. Only debacle, the European teams has suffered was 0-1 defeat of the defending champions Germany at hands of Mexico in a Group F match yesterday.
Otherwise European teams had smooth sailing in the group games played so far.
