FIFA World Cup 2018, Belgium vs Panama, Highlights: As it Happened

Full time: Belgium 3 - Panama 0 

Almost drops for Diaz perfectly for him to get a shot away at Courtois' goal in the final minute, but he can't sort out his feet and the chance is lost. 

Ismael Diaz has become the only Panamanian to play in three different FIFA World Cup categories: U-17 in United Arab Emirates (2013), U-20 in New Zealand (2015) and now at senior level in Russia.

Meanwhile, Kevin de Bruyne has picked up a yellow card and he isn't happy. Escobar took the resulting free-kick and tried a low shot at Courtois' goal, but the big keeper got down well to collect it. Good attempt by Escobar though. 

The Panama shoulders have dropped considerably in the second half after the two goals by Lukaku which were a killer blow. They almost created another chance, but Diaz was caught off-side and Courtois would have been happy about that as there were two attackers coming towards him there. 

Less than ten minutes to go in the game and Belgium have another dead ball situation in a dangerous position. 

Panama with another half chance after Eric Davis' cross almost finds Tejada. But Courtois' cleansheet for now is safe. 

GOAL: Romelu Lukaku doubles his tally after Hazard puts him through and he dinks it over the onrushing Penedo. Belgium lead 3-0

Panama not giving up though as Cooper chases down Courtois and puts the pressure on him. Gets a deflection on the keeper's shot but that does not cause trouble. 

That goal has probably killed the contest for Belgium and Panama will find it extremely hard to mount any comeback of sorts in this fixture. 

GOAL: Belgium double their tally as a Kevin de Bruyne pass from the outside of his right foot finds Romelu Lukaku who heads home powerfully! 

Dries Mertens (2014 & 2018) is the 6th Belgian player to score at multiple World Cups:

- Erwin Vandenbergh (1982 & 1986).
- Jan Ceulemans (1986 & 1990)
- Enzo Scifo (1986 & 1990)
- Marc Degryse (1990 & 1994)
- Marc Wilmots (1998 & 2002)#WorldCup #BEL

— Gracenote Live (@GracenoteLive) June 18, 2018

To be fair, Panama have defended well all through the game, even if they have not been the best technically they have made those blocks and tackles while the Belgians have also tended to go easy on them. Panama now need to transport the same to their attacking half as Belgium will give then spaces to exploit. 

Panama bring in some fresh legs for the final half an hour or so of this tie. They have responded well against pressure so far but they need to be more clinical and aware in attack for it to produce something. 

The match has crossed the hour mark and while Panama are putting in a lot of effort, Belgium are indulging in a bit of show boating and there is a lack of intensity creeping into their game once again. 

Vertonghen is the latest to get a yellow card and that's the seventh in the game with five going Panama's way. 

Barcenas this time gets on the ball from Cooper, but his shot his hurried and Courtois watches it go outside. Panama now showing more enterprise in attack. 

Panama not holding back here and rightfully so. They have nothing to lose and an equaliser could change the game's tide in their favour. Jan Vertonghen in the Belgium defense is not happy that Panama are making inroads into his area. 

Great chance to equalise for Panana as Murillo is free in space in the box. But Courtois saw that coming and thwarted it instantly. 

Five minutes into the first half and the complexion of the game has changed. Kevin de Bruyne now stands over a free-kick and goes for the top corner but it's just off target. 

GOAL: What a Strike!! Dries Mertens has put Belgium in front with a great great volley past Penedo. There was nothing the keeper could do about that!

The second half has kicked off in Sochi and it will be interesting to see how both sides approach this.

Belgium have wasted chances to convert and are sticking to tradition of being slow starters at the World Cup. Roberto Martinez and Thierry Henry will have to give the attacking players a talking to as the Panama side will grow in confidence and belief with every passing minute. They have already frustrated their fancied opponents and are half way there to getting a positive result on debut. 

Half-time: Belgium and Panama play out a goalless first half. 

Lukaku has come down to help with defensive duties as the first half nears the end. Panama have held on with some resolute and gritty defending even if it is not beautiful football. The have been crowding the Belgian forwards everytime they get near the box and that has worked so far. 

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez has been asking his defenders, especially Boyata, asking them to stay calm and avoid leaving spaces in behind as Belgium push forward. 

Once again, Perez, Rodriguez and Cooper exchange a few quick passes before Cooper shoots from distance. Well over Courtois' goal though. 

Panama are yet to have a shot on target in the first 40 minutes at the World Cup, but they have defended with bodies and with great heart against the Belgians so far as their vocal fans keep cheering them on. 

Eden Hazard with a traditional burst of pace while coming in the right, shoots but Penedo has the first post covered and concedes a corner. At the other end meanwhile, Davis and Rodriguez combine before the latter's cross earns Panama another corner. 

Some good movement by Panama. Escobar started it off from defense. Perez then with Rodriguez combined to earn their first corner at a World Cup. Nothing came of it other than Belgian defenders wondering how they made it so far forward.