Belgium took their sweet time, but they eventually underlined their status as dark horses by routing debutants Panama 3-0 in their 2018 FIFA World Cup Group G opener at the Fisht Stadium on Monday night.
After 45 minutes of sheer frustration, Roberto Martinez’s side eventually broke the deadlock two minutes into the second-half with a fine volley from Napoli winger Dries Mertens.
Manchester United front man Romelu Lukaku, aided by the mercurial duo of Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne, then added a quick-fire double to put the game beyond the reach of the Central Americans.
It wasn’t pretty and Belgium definitely had a few wobbles at the back as they almost paid the price for switching off at times, but the Red Devils did look impressive for the most part in the second-half.
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Here are the highlights from their win:
England beat Tunisia 2-1 thanks to a brace from Harry Kane in the second Group G game on Monday night, which means Belgium are now topping their group with three points after Matchday 1, with the Three Lions behind on goal difference.
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It looks like a straight battle between the European sides as to who will emerge as groups winners after seeing them emerge victorious in their respective openers.
Belgium’s next fixture is against Tunisia on June 23, before taking on the Three Lions in a mouthwatering clash on June 28.
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So far at the World Cup, none of the favourites have managed to live up to their billing. The likes of Argentina, Portugal and Spain have drawn their openers, while Mexico stunned Germany 1-0 on Sunday.
Save the four sides from Group H (Poland, Japan, Colombia and Senegal), everyone has played one competitive game in Russia.