After some serious upsets yesterday, Belgium have broken that deadlock in their opening game. Dries Mertens’ stunner and Romelu Lukaku’s brace sealed a comprehensive 3-0 win against newcomers Panama.

Despite failing to find the net in the first half, Belgium scored right after the start of the 2nd half followed by two more goals.

The first game of Group G started steadily. The first chance came at 12 minutes for the Red devils. Skipper Eden Hazard hit a shot from Roman Torres’ pass but he only found the side netting.

Belgium created chances after chances but failed in the final end. The Panama goal-keeper also made some neat saves in the first half. The red devils couldn’t hit top gear before the break. They started brightly, but their tempo dropped off. Mertens, the best player on the pitch tired to create moments of magic.

Just after two minutes in the 2nd half, Mertens hit a stunner to break the deadlock. After a cross from Lukaku was cleared, Mertens hit a sublime dipping volley over the goalkeeper and into the far corner.

Lukaku, who looked out of sight in the first half suddenly started to find his touch in the second. A slick cross from Kevin de Bruyne made the way for Lukaku to head the ball at the back post and make it 2-0.

Just after couple of moments, Lukaku made it 3-0 with his second of the day. Hazard slide a perfectly-weighted pass in behind for the striker, who lofted over the onrushing goalkeeper with ease.

Panama showed character and spirit, but lacked the quality to really trouble Belgium. n the end, it was a case of job done for Martinez’s side, but they didn’t look at their best, certainly in the first half.

However, they’ll be more than happy with the result ahead of their next game against Tunisia. It finishes 3-0 to Belgium.

FT: Belgium 3-0 Panama
Mertens 47′ | Lukaku 69′, 75′