Match Review: Belgium v. Panama

Belgium v Panama

Score: 3-0

Goals: Mertens 47' Lukaku 69' 75'

Possession: 62-38

Shots: 15-7
Man of the match: Romelu Lukaku (2G)

Belgium opened their quest for their first World Cup trophy with a dominating display over a feisty Panama. The match started off with Belgium on the front foot, as expected. They were getting forward and were pinning back the Panamanians. Belgium's first chance of the match fell to winger Yannick Carrasco. Dries Mertens picked the ball up on the right side and played it across the box and found Carrasco. Unfortunately, his shot fizzed right into the hands of Panamanian keeper Jaime Penedo. Belgium continued with attacks with both Mertens and Eden Hazard having shots saved at the near post. Even though Belgium were controlling the match, the Panamanians looked like they belonged and put in a good defensive effort to keep the score level, going into half time. Going into the break Belgium looked frustrated, but a goal seemed like it was coming if they continued the way they played in the first half. And that is what happened just two minutes into the second half. The goal came from a cross from Dries Mertens that was cleared by Roman Torres right back to Mertens who fired a beautiful volley into the far post. It was an absolute peach of a goal which seemed to demoralize the Panama players. Panama did weather the oncoming storm from Belgium defending the attack and keeping themselves in the match. The great defending they were doing finally awarded them with a chance to equalize. The ball was played across the box on the counter-attack and missed everyone only to find New York Red Bulls full Back Michael Murrillo. Murrillo, unfortunately, fired right at Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois and kept the match at 1-0. The miss chance for Panama was the beginning of the end. Belgium started to push forward and started creating quality chances. They doubled their advantage in the 69' minute when Kevin De Bruyne hit a beautiful trivela pass to Romelu Lukaku who fired into the back of the net. Belgium didn't waste any time adding a third when Eden Hazard surged forward and played in Lukaku again who dinked Penedo with his left boot. Though Panama had one or two chances for a consolation goal none came to fruition and Belgium were able to comfortably ride out of Sochi with the three points.