Messi can be stopped, Iceland showed that – Lovren
Two goals from Romelu Lukaku and a stunning volley from Dries Mertens saw Belgium win their opening World Cup game 3-0 against debutants Panama in Sochi yesterday. After a goalless opening period which lacked clear-cut chances, it took Mertens just two minutes to open the scoring in the second half. Manchester United striker Lukaku (69, 75) then netted twice in six minutes to seal an ultimately comfortable win for Roberto Martinez’s men, who top Group G ahead of England’s match with Tunisia.
Belgium began the game well, and had their first effort in the seventh minute with Yannick Ferreira Carrasco hammering a shot into the hands of goalkeeper Jamie Penedo before the Panama stopper was forced to push Mertens’ half-volley over the crossbar.
Captain Roman Torres, who scored the goal that sent Panama to the World Cup, nearly made a big mistake to concede the opening goal not long after. A ball was played over the top for Eden Hazard, but Torres got there first and attempted to pass back to his goalkeeper. However, Hazard latched onto the poor pass but could only send a shot into the side netting.
Dedryck Boyata started in Belgium’s defence in the absence of Thomas Vermaelen and Vincent Kompany. Roman Torres, whose goal against Costa Rica in qualifying secured Panama a place in Russia, captained the side from central defence.
Belgium took the lead in the 47th minute through a lovely goal from Mertens, then doubled their lead in the 69th minute with Lukaku’s first goal as he met De Bruyne’s superb outside-of-the-foot cross with a powerful header before Lukaku wrapped up the victory six minutes later.