Mitch Freeley

You can watch the Live Stream of Belgium Vs Panama via beIN SPORTS CONNECT. 

Match Report

Dries Mertens scored a stunning volley and Romelu Lukaku was twice on target as Belgium started their Group G campaign with a 3-0 defeat of World Cup debutants Panama in Sochi.

Belgium impressed in an unbeaten qualifying campaign, becoming the first European nation to book their place at Russia 2018.

But Roberto Martinez's side struggled to break Panama down in a flat first half at the Fisht Stadium on Monday, requiring a moment of magic from Mertens to break the deadlock in the 47th minute.

Panama almost mustered a rapid leveller but Thibaut Courtois made a smart stop to keep out a low strike from Michael Murillo, before Lukaku struck twice in six minutes to settle the contest.

Lukaku nodded in a sensational Kevin De Bruyne pass and the Manchester United striker then scored a cute chip, though Panama can take heart from a promising display ahead of games against England and Tunisia.

Martinez's golden generation have been tipped as potential champions, but Belgium - beaten by Wales in the Euro 2016 quarter-finals - will likely need to improve on an often-underwhelming performance when they face stronger opposition.

Panama made a nervy start to their World Cup bow with Yannick Carrasco and Mertens forcing early saves from goalkeeper Jaime Penedo.

Eden Hazard hit the side-netting after pouncing on a loose backpass from Roman Torres, Panama's captain making amends with a terrific touch on a low De Bruyne right-wing cross that ensured Lukaku could not tap in at the back post.

Hazard fired wide in the 26th minute and the Chelsea forward was left hobbling by heavy challenges from Murillo and Torres.

Panama continued to deal with Belgium relatively comfortably, Penedo saving with his legs to keep out Hazard, who hinted pre-match he could be interested in joining Real Madrid.

Belgium struggled to create clear openings in the first period but within two minutes of the restart they led thanks to an early contender for the goal of the tournament.

Panama failed to clear their lines properly and when the ball fell to Mertens on the right side of the penalty area, the Napoli forward thumped a dipping volley that flew past Penedo.

De Bruyne almost swiftly doubled the lead but narrowly missed the target with a 25-yard free-kick that curled away from Penedo's right-hand post.

When wing-back Carrasco switched off at the back, allowing Edgar Barcenas' pass to drift over his head, Courtois had to be alert to smother an effort from Murillo.

That proved to be Panama's best chance of claiming a draw and Belgium doubled their lead in the 69th minute after VAR ruled Lukaku was marginally onside.

Hazard and De Bruyne combined brilliantly on the edge of the box, the latter's sublime floated cross to the back post providing Lukaku - who hit 11 goals in qualifying - a simple headed finish.

And when Panama lost possession in their own half, Belgium sprung a clinical counter-attack with Hazard's pass perfectly timed for Lukaku to run clear and lift a fine finish over the onrushing Penedo, showing Belgium will be a World Cup threat if they hit top gear.

Live Updates

Highlights/ Goal

Lukaku scores a second. A fine dink! 3-0

2-0 game over! Romelu Lukaku with the second! That's a beauty of an assist from Kevin De Bruyne

Dries Mertens scores a lovely volley to give Belgium the lead in the second half. 

Hazard goes close again. A great save from Penedo! Belgium is piling on the pressure here. 

Belgian go close! That was a vital deflection from Roman Torres!

Preamble

Belgium have an impressive record under Roberto Martinez. Can Panama spring a suprise in Sochi?!

#Martinez has not lost a competitive game since taking charge of #BEL and has won 9/10 of them.#beINRussia #beINFWC #BELPAN pic.twitter.com/2HEFN5EOhL — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) June 18, 2018

Team news! We have team news! No Vincent Kompany for Belgium, he's still injured. Dedryck Boyata takes the Man City captain's place in the side. As for Panama veteran striker Blas Pérez leads the line for his country in their first ever World Cup match. 

TEAM NEWS // #BELPAN

Thoughts on the line-ups? pic.twitter.com/ZcBE3uYytK — FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 18, 2018

Hello! Welcome to the Live Updates for Belgium Vs Panama! It's a big day for Panama who is taking part in their first ever World Cup game! They'll have a tough test against a Belgium side who will be confident of getting the result against the central American nation. 

Preview

Roberto Martinez’s Belgium side are in high spirits and will be confident heading into the World Cup that they can reach the latter stages of the competition, but face a unique challenge in Panama who have qualified for the World Cup for the very first time. You can watch Live & Exclusive streaming of the match from the Fisht Stadium via beIN SPORTS CONNECT. 

English program information

After reaching the quarter-finals in Brazil, Belgium are now primed to make a big impact at the World Cup. The side is packed full of established stars from across Europe’s top leagues, and can realistically target a place in the knockout stages. Although Martinez will be wary of the threat posed by Panama, who is an unknown quantity on the world stage.  

Try our World Cup Quiz!

In injury news, Vincent Kompany could be a doubt for the opener after injuring his groin in the friendly draw with Portugal. 
Kevin De Bruyne had a standout season with Manchester City and is likely to start in Sochi. The all-action midfielder will be charged with setting the tempo for his side, and his shots from distance could cause problems for the Panamanian defence. 

Belgium Predicted Team

Courtois; Alderweireld, Ciman, Vertonghen; Meunier, Carrasco, Witsel, De Bruyne; Mertens, Eden Hazard; Lukaku

Live match stream- beIN SPORTS CONNECT
TV Channel- MAX HD3
Kick-off- 18:00
Stadium- Fisht Stadium, Sochi

Panama will be relishing their World Cup debut, and will not be coming to make up the numbers in Russia. After dramatically sealing qualification Los Canaleros will be aiming to upset Belgium and kick-start their campaign in group G. 

Predict your World Cup winner! 

Veteran striker Blas Perez will be looking forward to leading Panama into their maiden World Cup and is likely to lead the line against Belgium. The 37-year old has a nomadic playing career taking in countries such as Mexico, Canada and Spain. This is certain to be his final bow as a Panama player, the striker could be the central American nations best chance of finding the back of the net against the Belgians. 

Panama Predicted Team

Penedo; R. Torres, Escobar, Machado, Ovalle, Murillo; Gomez, Avila, Barcenas, Godoy; G. Torres

It promises to be an interesting match as Belgium kick-start their World Cup campaign with a matchup against debutants Panama. You can watch Live & Exclusive streaming of the match at the Fisht Stadium via beIN SPORTS CONNECT.