FIFA World Cup
World Cup 2018: Belgium vs Panama Preview
Sochi, Russia – Panama debuts in World Cup for the first time ever against heavily favor to win Group G, Belgium. Belgium, for their part, come to the game with serious momentum after impressive performances in warm-up friendlies. Despite all this, the Roberto Martinez side has yet to make the impact given the world class players in his squad. However, one cannot dismiss the firepower displayed by Belgium upfront with Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne.
Team Forms:
Unfortunately for the world (except Panama), Belgium will be without defenders Thomas Vermaelen and Vincent Kompany due to hamstring and groin injuries respectively. However, Dedyrck Boyata will slot into the position along side Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen.
On the other side, Panama loss Alberto Quintero with a fractured foot and did not make the squad. In addition, center-back Roman Torres is recovering from a hamstring injury but will be ready for the match.
Also, with Tunisia and England playing in the same group, Panama is looking like the underdog in each game. However, their manager Hernan “Bolillo” Gomez understands that it will not be an easy-task to leave a good impression if they are not 100% concentrated despite the difficulties.
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
Match Predictions:
Stats indicate that Belgium is undefeated in 11 matches against CONCACAF nations since losing to Mexico in 1986. On the other hand, Panama have yet to prevail over a European team in nine previous meetings. Nevertheless, Panama will have a hard time staying toe-to-toe with Belgium but it will not be a bulky result.
Prediction: Belgium 2 – 0 Panama
