Romelu Lukaku on fire as Belgium destroy Panama in tough battle at the Russia 2018 World Cup
- 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 three goals that condemned Panama to a defeat in what was the first ever meeting between these two sides.
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.
Belgium defeat Panama 3-0 in Group G at Russia 2018 World Cup (photo: Getty)
Panama had no 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.
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.
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.
PAY ATTENTION: Click on link to get World Cup fixtures on NAIJ.com
Earlier, NAIJ.com had reported how Sweden defeated South Korea 1-0 in their own match at the Russia 2018 World Cup.
A penalty scored by Andreas Granqvist was all what Sweden needed to record their first win in Russia for them to go top of Group F.
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Source: Naija.ng