Belgium defeat Panama 3-0 in Group G at Russia 2018 World Cup

Belgium defeat Panama 3-0 in Group G at Russia 2018 World Cup

Babajide Orevba
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:45 PM
In this article:
FIFA World Cup logo
FIFA World Cup
International

- Romelu Lukaku scored two goals as Belgium beat Panama 3-0 at Russia 2018 World Cup

- The encounter was the first ever clash between these two sides

- Dries Mertens scored the first goal for Belgium in the 47th minute

Belgium on Monday, June 18, got off the start of their campaign at the 2018 FIFA World Cup on a winning note beating Panama 3-0 in Group G opener.

But the Belgians had to wait till the second half to get the two goals that condemned Panama to a defeat in what was the first ever meeting between these two sides.

Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens

Chelsea star Eden Hazard had a glorious chance to put Belgium ahead in the 10th minute, but his shot was parried away for a corner by Panama goalkeeper Jaime Penedo.

READ ALSO: Croatian forward Nikola Kalinic sent home after refusing to play against Nigeria

Belgium defeat Panama 3-0 in Group G at Russia 2018 World Cup
Romelu Lukaku celebrates his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between Belgium and Panama at Fisht Stadium in Sochi, Russia. Photo: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

READ ALSO: Five dark horses likely to spring more World Cup surprises in Russia

Panama had not chance towards scoring in the first half as Belgium defenders clipped the wings of the the duo of Gabriel Gomez and Armando Cooper.

On resumption for the second half, Dries Mertens opened scoring for Belgium in the 47th minute after taking advantage of a gaffe from Panama defender Fidel Escober.

PAY ATTENTION: Become a member of the leading sports Facebook group 'TUKO Michezo'

Belgium defeat Panama 3-0 in Group G at Russia 2018 World Cup
Romelu Lukaku scores his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between Belgium and Panama at Fisht Stadium on June 18, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. Photo: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne provided a superb assist for Romelu Lukaku to score the second goal for Belgium in the 69th minute via an header.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with all the latest news, facts and events in the FIFA World Cup

Romelu Lukaku scored his second goal in the 75th minute after receiving a wonderful pass from Eden Hazard as Belgium won the match 3-0.

Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news

FIFA World Cup Kicks Off! Messi Out? | Tuko TV

Authors
Babajide Orevba photo
Babajide Orevba
Babajide Orevba is a CAF accredited Nigerian journalist and HOD of the Local Desk with over 10 years of experience in media landscape.He studied NCE Political Science/Social Studies, AOCOED.
Tags
World