Belgium will be without defenders Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen when they start their World Cup Group G campaign against Panama on Monday (4pm BST).
World Cup 2018: Belgium vs. Panama preview, players to watch, key stats.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Belgium : Eden Hazard
It was not the best of seasons for Hazard and Chelsea. There were flashes of brilliance but like Chelsea / who surrendered its Premier League crown to Manchester City – Hazard was inconsistent. However, the Belgium star has the opportunity to regain his best form in the pursuit of glory in Russia.
Panama : Roman Torres
The hulking defender is the face of Panama and its captain. One of the region's most feared and experienced center-backs, Roman Torres — whose last-gasp goal saw Panama through to the World Cup — is a threat at set-pieces, while the Central Americans will be relying on the 32-year-old to stop Lukaku.
KEY OPTA FACTS
- This will be the first ever encounter between Belgium and Panama.
- Belgium is unbeaten in its last nine World Cup group games, winning each of its last four.
- Panama made it to the World Cup with a negative goal difference (minus one), winning only three of its 10 games in the final round of qualifying.
- Roberto Martinez is the first non-Belgian manager to lead the Red Devils at a major tournament since Scot Doug Livingston in 1954.
- Panama boss Hernan Dario Gomez is set for his third World Cup with a third different team, having led Colombia (1998) and Ecuador (2002) previously.
World Cup 2018, Belgium vs Panama: Belgium Determined To Live Up To Expectations Against Debutants Panama.
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World Cup 2018 groups: games, tables, current standings and analysis,
Group G - Belgium, Panama, Tunisia, England
BELGIUM
It's time to deliver for a team featuring such exceptional talent. But Belgium is a country that is yet to break into the semi-finals of a tournament.
It is widely acknowledged they have been held back by mediocre management. Now it is up to Roberto Martinez, a Spanish coach, to get the best out of this plethora of stars.
If you have Romelu Lukaku up front, Eden Hazard as a creative genius and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for a final lock on goal, the ingredients for success are there.
There are issues in defence. Central defender Vincent Kompany is as brittle as he can be brilliant and there are very few credible back-ups available for the likes of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen.
Key player: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) - Overshadowed Eden Hazard at the 2014 World Cup, he has only grown in stature, especially since his move to City and his more withdrawn position on the pitch.
Coach: Roberto Martinez was a surprise pick for Belgium when they ditched Marc Wilmots after a disappointing Euro 2016. The Spaniard easily adapted to life in international management.
PANAMA
A first qualification for the World Cup earned Panama a national holiday.
The Central Americans made it to Russia in style, defeating Costa Rica 2-1 in the final qualifier.
Panama has only four million people, but finished ahead of the United States, which has about 320 million.
Key player: Luis Tejada (Universitario) - The striker has scored 43 goals for Panama.
Coach: Hernan Dario Gomez - The Colombian has worked his magic again. He got Colombia into the 1998 World Cup, and then did the same for Ecuador in 2002. Now it is Panama's turn.
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