World Cup: A good opener can set Belgium on their way to greatness
What can we expect from this Belgium team, who’s crammed with talent from the stopper to the shooter?
Since been dubbed the ‘Golden Generation’ of Belgium, they’ve failed to meet expectations during both, the World Cup and Euro. Not being able reach any significant stages during these big stage events – gives the impression they could be very close to the choke artists, England.
However, in saying this, the players who have been making the most noise on the Premier League scene are these Red Devil players. Most of their starting eleven play their trades in the heart of England and grab most of the headlines.
An honourable mention for this specific talk is world-class midfielder, Kevin de Bruyne. The man was the best midfielder in the Premier League and took the Premier League title away from his English foes.
Will he orchestrate a symphony that’s as sound as the one playing over at the Etihad? Will he help unlock the powers of his countryman, who shows mastery on a regular in a Chelsea shirt?
Man on a mission. The Belgium teammates have never seen Eden Hazard training and performing as he’s doing in the last few weeks. He’s enjoying himself, pleasure as his engine. Will this be his tournament? #WorldCup #bel #redtogether #edentainer pic.twitter.com/YoMIPxgxpI
— Kristof Terreur (@kristofterreur) June 18, 2018
Will they help motivate their man at the point of their attack, Romelu Lukaku, who’s blasted in 13 goals in his last nine caps? It’s all on the shoulders of the man in the middle, and he provided enough to show he can deliver when needed to.
A lot of Premier League mentions and a chance to carry their club greatness over to the place they know is home. It’s an easy fixture to kickstart their run, but by no means must they take it lightly.
Team news before 17:00
Only one scare for Roberto Martinez, but a light trimmer as the vet Vincent Kompany keeps his place in the lineup. Both sides are healthy and ready to show their strongest eleven for the opener of their World Cup campaign.
Panama has their work cut out – their opponents are unbeaten in their last eleven fixtures. Los Canaleros are not even considered to get a point out of the tie. Although, what’s been happening at this World Cup, anybody stands a chance in their opening fixture.
The manager himself has admitted a chance at the knockout stages is like kicking the ball against 90 Knot winds. The best this side can do is work defensively hard enough for a draw. The attacking threat of Belgium will make this almost impossible to achieve.
#PAN coach: "If we make it past the group stage, I'll drink two bottles of vodka by myself"
— Free Super Tips (@FootySuperTips) June 18, 2018
Any chance of that happening? 😂 pic.twitter.com/nYzickoPe7
Next: World Cup shocks - Sunday Funday
Result after the 90 minutes
Going for a flawless Red Devils display. Hazard has been a sleeping demand for his national side – summoned by the gods to wake up. Maybe this is that time. Oh yes… De Bruyne is his god.