Belgium vs Panama Review
Good second half by Belgium, Panama show spirit, work to be done for Martinez
Belgium 3-0 Panama
In the end, the result was never in doubt for Roberto Martinez's golden generation as the Belgian Red Devils got off to the perfect start on World Cup Day 5. Belgium stepped up their performance from what can only be described as safe and uncharacteristic in the first half to blistering counter attacks, incredible pinpoint passes and absolutely delightful goals in the second half. But it is by no means a vintage Belgium performance. Throughout the first half, Romelu Lukaku, the all time Belgian top scorer, received no service from a defensively restricted Kevin De Bruyne, who was visibly unhappy with his role in the side. That is not to say Belgium did not create chances. They did, although they were not clear cut. Panama did what was expected: narrow defensive play, stopping the Belgians from having too much space, and trying to hit them on the counter-attack, although with much less pace and precision than Mexico which gave them so much success against Germany. It was clear that Belgium were giving Panama too much respect. That's when Roberto Martinez knew he had to change things in the second half.
After the break, there were no real visible changes at first glance. De Bruyne got forward on occasion but the play was side to side to try and get a cross to Lukaku. Up steps Dries Mertens who scores what can only be described as a beautiful goal: a dipping volley right into the spot where Panamanian goalkeeper Penedo could simply not reach. Belgian nerves were loosened as they took control of the game. On 69 minutes, Hazard plays a ball to De Bruyne, who, in typical De Bruyne style, plays a pinpoint cross to Lukaku, who cannot miss with a powerful header at the back post. Belgium were leaving it late, but better late than never. Lukaku finished the game off with a sublime loft over Penedo at 75 minutes after a beautifully-weighted pass from Hazard made it to big Rom's feet.
That's not to say Panama were not push-overs. They certainly created problems for Belgium in the first half and statistically over the whole game, registering 7 shots on target to Belgium's 15, and credit must go to players such as Murillo and Torres, who played with heart and determination the whole game to stop big game stars such as Hazard and Lukaku. But in the end, despite all of Panama's heart, Belgium were too strong. But what next for the Belgian Red Devils?
It may have been first game nerves, but in their next game Belgium have to come out of the blocks with a faster tempo and with more skill, wit, desire and game management that has caused pundits to label them as the Golden Generation for their home country. Martinez's men started slow, and had nothing to show for it at the interval, but once Mertens had opened the scoring, the result was never in doubt. Additionally, while De Bruyne is a hard worker defensively, Martinez must use De Bruyne to his strengths, giving him free license to control the midfield to the same immeasurable heights and levels that he achieved with Manchester City in the Premier League. Like I said at the beginning, it was not a vintage Belgium performance, but with the firepower and balance they have from goalkeeper to striker, they should be able to do the exact same against Tunisia on Saturday.
Belgium 3-0 Panama
In the end, the result was never in doubt for Roberto Martinez's golden generation as the Belgian Red Devils got off to the perfect start on World Cup Day 5. Belgium stepped up their performance from what can only be described as safe and uncharacteristic in the first half to blistering counter attacks, incredible pinpoint passes and absolutely delightful goals in the second half. But it is by no means a vintage Belgium performance. Throughout the first half, Romelu Lukaku, the all time Belgian top scorer, received no service from a defensively restricted Kevin De Bruyne, who was visibly unhappy with his role in the side. That is not to say Belgium did not create chances. They did, although they were not clear cut. Panama did what was expected: narrow defensive play, stopping the Belgians from having too much space, and trying to hit them on the counter-attack, although with much less pace and precision than Mexico which gave them so much success against Germany. It was clear that Belgium were giving Panama too much respect. That's when Roberto Martinez knew he had to change things in the second half.
After the break, there were no real visible changes at first glance. De Bruyne got forward on occasion but the play was side to side to try and get a cross to Lukaku. Up steps Dries Mertens who scores what can only be described as a beautiful goal: a dipping volley right into the spot where Panamanian goalkeeper Penedo could simply not reach. Belgian nerves were loosened as they took control of the game. On 69 minutes, Hazard plays a ball to De Bruyne, who, in typical De Bruyne style, plays a pinpoint cross to Lukaku, who cannot miss with a powerful header at the back post. Belgium were leaving it late, but better late than never. Lukaku finished the game off with a sublime loft over Penedo at 75 minutes after a beautifully-weighted pass from Hazard made it to big Rom's feet.
That's not to say Panama were not push-overs. They certainly created problems for Belgium in the first half and statistically over the whole game, registering 7 shots on target to Belgium's 15, and credit must go to players such as Murillo and Torres, who played with heart and determination the whole game to stop big game stars such as Hazard and Lukaku. But in the end, despite all of Panama's heart, Belgium were too strong. But what next for the Belgian Red Devils?
It may have been first game nerves, but in their next game Belgium have to come out of the blocks with a faster tempo and with more skill, wit, desire and game management that has caused pundits to label them as the Golden Generation for their home country. Martinez's men started slow, and had nothing to show for it at the interval, but once Mertens had opened the scoring, the result was never in doubt. Additionally, while De Bruyne is a hard worker defensively, Martinez must use De Bruyne to his strengths, giving him free license to control the midfield to the same immeasurable heights and levels that he achieved with Manchester City in the Premier League. Like I said at the beginning, it was not a vintage Belgium performance, but with the firepower and balance they have from goalkeeper to striker, they should be able to do the exact same against Tunisia on Saturday.
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