Group G presented itself as the highest scoring group in the World Cup, with England and Belgium topping the group and demonstrating sheer dominance over Panama and Tunisia.
After a 3-0 win over Panama, the Belgians had a stellar performance over the Tunisians with a 5-2 victory. Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, and Michy Batshuayi all netted the goals for Belgium as they stunned the Tunisians in Russia. With that performance, Lukaku now has more goals in all major international tournaments than any other Belgium player (7).
Lukaku’s game by numbers vs. Tunisia:
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) June 23, 2018
2 shots
2 goals
2 chances created
4 aerial duels won
5 touches in the penalty area
100% chance conversion
17 goals in his last 11 games for Belgium. #BEL pic.twitter.com/sObv8ZlVxc
Following that, England responded with a 6-1 victory of Panama. Harry Kane was the star of the show once again as he netted a hat-trick. Jesse Lingard and John Stones also showed up on the score sheet for England. With this victory, England won both of their opening two group stage games at a World Cup tournament for the third time. This was also England’s biggest victory in a major tournament match.
We know our two qualifiers from Group G, but who will finish top?
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 24, 2018
1) #ENG
2) #BEL
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3) #TUN
4) #PAN #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/f92GiD8Pkv
Best Game: Belgium 5-2 Tunisia
In my opinion, Belgium vs Tunisia was the best game based on stats and player performances. Belgium demonstrated tactical dominance that could be used again in the round of 16. Not only was this a good game for Belgium on paper, but it served as a crucial momentum holder for the rest of their games. This game also highlighted where each player is placed best in the squad and allowed Roberto Martinez to make tweaks if necessary.
Best Moment: Harry Kane’s hat-trick vs Panama
Harry Kane - hat-trick hero#ENGPAN #worldcup #bbcworldcup pic.twitter.com/SLW4X3vHjM
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 24, 2018
During England’s thumping over Panama, Harry Kane netted three of England’s six goals. This was the best moment because this really energized England and really asserted them as contenders for the top of the group. On a personal level, Kane helped England score four goals in the first half for the first time.
Best Player: Romelu Lukaku
Undoubtedly the best player in the group was Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku. He has been apart of 12 of the last 18 goals for the Red Devils of Belgium. Coming out explosive and maintaining the form, Lukaku has outshone Harry Kane and asserted his dominance.
Best Goal: Mertens half-volley against Panama
PICK THAT ONE OUT!
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 18, 2018
Dries Mertens hits the volley perfectly to put Belgium up 1-0. pic.twitter.com/Pkvv28VCYk
Next: Best of Group H – Japan joins Colombia on fair play tiebreaker