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FIFA World Cup: Belgium 3-0 Panama

Monday, 18 June 2018 8:58 PM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 19 June 2018 4:39 PM ]

Belgium's forward Romelu Lukaku (unseen) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group G football match between Belgium and Panama at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi on June 18, 2018. (AFP)

Belgium's creativity and power proved too much for World Cup debutantes Panama as the Group G favorites overcame the heroics of goalkeeper Jaime Penedo and a massed defense to run out 3-0 winners on Monday, June 18.

Belgium's forward Dries Mertens celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group G football match between Belgium and Panama at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi on June 18, 2018. (AFP)

It took a wonderful dipping volley from Dries Mertens on the right-hand edge of the area just after halftime to break the deadlock, however, giving Penedo no chance after a first half in which he had defied Mertens, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku.

Hazard laid the ball off to Kevin De Bruyne who flipped a diagonal ball with the outside of his foot through for a lurking Lukaku to head home in the 69th minute.