Belgium player ratings as Man United's Romelu Lukaku gets a 8 in 3-0 win over Panama

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Belgium recovered from a drab first half to power past Panama 3-0 in the World Cup Group G opener.

    Dries Mertens broke the deadlock with a sensational volley two minutes into the second half.

    Kevin De Bruyne’s excellent outside-of-the-boot cross for Romelu Lukaku doubled the advantage for Roberto Martinez’s men in the 69th minute.

    Six minutes later, Eden Hazard set up the Manchester United striker for his second on the counter-attack that sealed the points for the Red Devils.

    BELGIUM 3-4-2-1

    Thibaut Courtois 7 – Had a few saves to make, most of them routine but needed to come off his line and smother an attack late on. Was alert to tip a spectacular effort from Panama’s half over the bar but the whistle had already gone.

    Toby Alderweireld 6 – Was excellent with the ball at his feet, making more passes (102) than anyone else on the pitch. Was solid at the back and made a couple of good tackles.

    Dedryck Boyata 6 – Playing in the middle of a three-man defence, Boyata gave a good account of himself and dominated in the air, winning eight aerial duels – the most in the game.

    Jan Vertonghen 6 – Was left for dead by Barcenas on one occasion and did pick up a clumsy booking as well. Sprayed the ball around well though with nine of his 11 long passes finding their targets.

    Thomas Meunier 5 – Was unfortunate to pick up a booking in the first half. Didn’t push up the pitch enough and when he did, his delivery let him down with all of his five attempted crosses intercepted.

    Kevin De Bruyne 7 – Was uncharacteristically sloppy with his passing in the first half but came into his own in the second. His sumptuous cross with the outside of his boot for Lukaku’s first was a thing of beauty.

    Axel Witsel 5 – Was a bit of a nothing performance from him. Didn’t make many defensive contributions as Panama’s long balls bypassed him mostly. Safe with his passing. Belgium could’ve used a more creative midfielder in his stead.

    Yannick Carrasco 6 – Concerns over his defensive frailties persist but was a force in attack. Linked up well with Hazard at times and had a low effort on target.

    Dries Mertens 7 – Had a few efforts at goal and scored a contender for the goal of the tournament with a fine dipping volley which his side desperately needed after being frustrated in the first half.

    Eden Hazard 8 – Always looked the most likely to create a chance. Went on a few good runs in the first half only for them to fizzle out. Created a host of chances before his through ball for Lukaku’s second.

    Romelu Lukaku 8 – Was isolated up front in the first half, only registering seven touches but always looked dangerous with his movement. Came alive with a bit of service to score a brace. Classy finish for his second.

    SUBS

    Mousa Dembele 5 – Replaced Carrasco as Belgium switched to four at the back and went on the counter. Saw the game out.

    Thorgan Hazard N/A – Came on for Mertens in the 83rd minute. Dwelled on possession and eventually lost it on one occasion when the break was on.

    Nacer Chadli N/A – Was brought on in place of Witsel in the final minute.

    Recommended