In Belgium’s 3-0 win over Panama, Manchester United’s Romelu Lukaku came up big for Belgium finding the back of the net twice.
Romelu Lukaku continues to impress in the World Cup. Furthermore, great team play allowed Lukaku to build off of a great Premier League season.
Belgium had it easy, though, as Panama is one of the weaker sides in the World Cup. For instance, Belgium ranks at number three in the world. On the other side, Panama sits at a lowly fifty-fifth in the world. Of all the group stage matches, Belgium and Panama may be the most one sided match so far.
At first, it appeared as if Panama could stand up to Belgium. For example, Panama settled into their role in the match, holding off a Belgian goal until the second half. However, Panama had a strong first half. They kept pace with Belgium and displayed good passing play. Panama look promising, until the forty-seventh minute.
Belgium found the net through Dries Mertens, and the goals kept coming. The Manchester United man, Romelu Lukaku, earned his chance in the sixty-ninth minute. Kevin de Bruyne assisted Lukaku on the goal, but he did so in remarkable fashion. Furthermore, de Bruyne dribbled into the box, and he sent a cross to Lukaku off the outside of his foot. Then, Lukaku headed the ball home to round off Belgium’s second goal.
Lukaku found the net again only six minutes later. On the counter attack, Eden Hazard played a through ball to Lukaku, and the Manchester United man chipped the keeper as he went to ground to recover the ball.
Now, Lukaku sits one behind Cristiano Ronaldo for most goals in the tournament.
Romelu Lukaku’s next opponent
Belgium’s next match is against Tunisia, an African country. In the World Cup, African countries tend to be less successful than other countries in the tournament. For example, Tunisia lost to an England side that took until late in the match to decide. If England can barely scrape by Tunisia, there is no telling what Belgium can do to them.
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In the end, Belgium played an impressive second half, even though their opponent was Panama. Belgium displayed great patience on the ball and decisive actions when on the attack. Going into the tournament, Belgium has the possibility to make a deep run in the competition. As Manchester United fans learned this season, anything can happen with Romelu Lukaku up top.