Belgium versus Panama wasn’t a classic World Cup game, but it featured one of the goals of the tournament so far.
After a stodgy opening half, where Belgium struggled to break down the stubborn Central American side, they eventually took the lead with a brilliant goal just after the break.
Roberto Martinez’s broke down the right wing and their cross only half-cleared by Panama. The ball landed with Dries Mertens at the edge of the penalty area and the Napoli forward hit a perfect first-time dipping volley into the far corner.
Even against such modest opposition, it was a sensational strike.
Belgium 1-0 Panama. Dries Mertens puts Belgium in front with an absolute cracker of a goal #rtesoccer #worldcup #BEL #PAN pic.twitter.com/Sm2lEQ0BEv
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 18, 2018
Belgium’s talented players then turned on the style, comfortably dispatching their hard-working, but limited, opponents.
Romelu Lukaku scored twice, the first of which was a header set-up by a stunning pass from Kevin De Bruyne.
That should be that as Romelu Lukaku makes it #BEL 2 #PAM 0 in their World Cup Group G clash. pic.twitter.com/AmtR9iYnVu
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 18, 2018
The 3-0 victory put Martinez’s team top of Group G ahead of England’s game against Tunisia on Monday night. Next up for Belgium is Tunisia on Saturday.
