Romelu Lukaku is our Hero of the Day after scoring twice in Belgium's 3-0 win over Panama at the World Cup

Aditya Devavrat 01:20 19/06/2018
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  • Romelu Lukaku is our hero of the day for his match-winning brace.

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    Romelu Lukaku has been in sublime form for club and country for over a year, and he hit the ground running at the World Cup on Monday.

    His two goals led Belgium to a 3-0 win over Panama in their opening game of the tournament.

    Here’s an in-depth look at the performance that makes him our Hero of the Day.

    0618 Hero of the Day

    30-SECOND REPORT

    Lukaku had a listless first half as he was starved of any meaningful service – he actually had fewer touches than both goalkeepers in the first 45 minutes. But he sprung to life in the second half, scoring twice as Belgium put the game to bed.

    His movement, always one of the Manchester United striker’s best if underrated qualities, was superb, and the 24-year-old showed the scoring prowess that has taken him to the top of Belgium’s scoring charts, earning three vital points.

    GOT RIGHT

    Movement – His movement was sublime, as he kept stretching the Panama rearguard with his runs across the back-line and into space behind the defence. Even when the service from his teammates was lacking, Lukaku made sure to get into dangerous positions.

    Finishing – When he was finally found by his teammates, Lukaku finished expertly. His header for his first goal was perfectly placed, but he topped that with his second goal, running into space and clipping the ball into the net.

    GOT WRONG

    Perhaps it was a deliberate ploy to stay up front regardless of how peripheral his role was, but Lukaku didn’t do enough to get on the ball in the first half.

    He is a player who at times drops deep – and with the calibre of teammates that he has, not to mention his own burgeoning playmaking ability, he can be lethal just by creating spaces for others and pulling defenders out of position. He didn’t do that enough.

    KEY MOMENTS

    69th minute, GOAL: Lukaku manouevered himself into the perfect position to round off a flowing Belgium attack. Kevin de Bruyne found him with a sublime cross, which Lukaku headed home expertly.

    75th minute, GOAL: This goal showcased Lukaku at his best, He ran into space behind the defence, latched onto a smart pass from Eden Hazard, and clipped a superb finish into the goal.

    VERDICT

    A sublime, match-winning performance from Lukaku, who led the line with distinction. He didn’t get discouraged when he wasn’t getting enough chances to score, and when those chances came, he put them away superbly.

    The striker might be disappointed to miss out on a hat-trick, but two goals in a World Cup game – equalling his previous total at the World Cup – was an excellent performance, and it made sure Belgium took all three points from what was looking like a tricky opener.

    RATING – 9/10

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