Belgium and Panama open Group G in Sochi
Belgium building on Brazil 2014 quarter-final run, Panama are debutants

The opening match in Group G promises to deliver a fascinating contrast of styles. 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.



Did you know?
This fixture may look one-sided on paper, but a glance at the history books makes it appear even more daunting for Panama. Since losing to Mexico at the Estadio Azteca during the group stage at the 1986 World Cup, Belgium are undefeated in 11 matches against CONCACAF nations, posting nine wins and two draws. Panama, on the other hand, have yet to prevail in nine previous meetings with European teams, drawing four and losing five.

Possible Line-ups
Belgium: Thibaut Courtois; Jan Vertonghen, Dedryck Boyata, Toby Alderweireld; Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne, Yannick Carrasco, Thomas Meunier; Dries Mertens, Eden Hazard; Romelu Lukaku

Panama: Jaime Penedo; Roman Torres, Fidel Escobar, Eric Davis, Michael Murillo; Gabriel Gomez, Anibal Godoy, Armando Cooper, Edgar Barcenas, Jose Luis Rodriguez; Blas Perez

Gangster1ms:
Panama to win or draw since all the big teams can't win.

timidapsin:
My boys..

We are gonna make a mark in this World cup..

deebsman1:
I see England going all the way to the final this time around. They have less pressure on them this time around and have a modest team, won't be surprised if they do well this time around

Bellgal:

Example super eagles

tonididdy:
this will be a goals fest


over3.5 goals

mictima:
Why should Belgium not spell "P-A-N-A-M-A"?

sprints1:
football has passed that level bro na 1990s u go see that kind result abi uthink say na everybody go be like Saudi arabia