Live report: Belgium vs Panama
The opening match in Group G promises to deliver a fascinating contrast of styles.
Belgium’s midfielder Kevin De Bruyne runs during a training session at the Olympic Park Arena in Sochi on June 17, 2018, on the eve of the Russia 2018 World Cup Group G football match between Belgium and Panama. / AFP PHOTO / Nelson Almeida
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Belgium, for their part, go into the game with serious momentum after some impressive performances in their warm-up friendlies, and coach Roberto Martinez boasts a talented generation at the peak of its powers.
His players bring solid international experience as well, with the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ and UEFA EURO 2016 under their belts, and they now hope to reach a whole new level in Russia.
As for Panama, they are set to embark on their first ever World Cup adventure but have no intention of giving Les Diables Rouges (Red Devils) an easy start.
Coach Hernan Dario Gomez is wary of Belgium’s firepower and will be anxious for his side to keep things tight at the back, especially since neighbours Costa Rica suffered a heavy 4-1 loss to the European hopefuls in a friendly just a week ago.
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