Belgium sent a strong message to its next opponents after crushing Panama 3-0 on Monday in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Moscow.
Agile striker Romelu Lukaku found the back of the net twice while teammate Dries Mertens uncorked a majestic volley for the Belgians who are gunning for a deep run in the World Cup. Nicknamed as the Red Devils, Belgium joins England, Tunisia, and Panama in Group G.
Lukaku also made his third World Cup goal in his career. The Manchester United star has been a machine lately, scoring 15 goals in Belgium's last 10 matches. He is also among the favorites to win the coveted Golden Boot.
Slow Start For Belgium
The win didn't come easily for the Red Devils as Panama played with a spectacular defense in the first half. Belgium got its first chance in the seventh minute when Mertens fired a shot, but it was ultimately saved by goalkeeper Jaime Penedo.
The Belgians got another opportunity when Eden Hazard stole a poorly-executed pass from Roman Torres, only to hit the side of the net in the 12th minute. Lukaku almost scored a tap-in goal, but Torres deflected his shot, making up for the mistake he made a few minutes earlier. Penedo made another incredible save in the 38th minute when he blocked Hazard's attempt to keep things even.
Picking Up The Pace
After a scoreless opening half, the Red Devils finally broke free from the goal-drought as Mertens hit the target in the 47th minute to give Belgium a 1-0 lead. With the goal, Mertens also became the first Belgian to convert a goal in two consecutive World Cups since Marc Wilmots, who did it in 1998 and 2012.
The Red Devils continued to penetrate the hapless defense of Panama as Kevin de Bruyne managed to sneak in a pass to Lukaku who converted a diving header in the 69th minute to extend their lead to 2-0. Lukaku sealed the deal six minutes later with another goal off a pass from Hazard.
Belgium is currently on a hot streak, going unbeaten in their previous 10 World Cup group games. Additionally, the last 11 goals scored by Belgium in the World Cup matches all came after halftime.
On the other hand, Panama was given five yellow cards in this game. The country became the first nation to receive five or more yellow cards in a single World Cup match —the Netherlands had seven in the 2010 finals.
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