Romelu Lukaku scored twice as Belgium proved too good for World Cup debutants Panama in the opening match in England’s Group G.
After a goalless first half, Belgium, positioned third on the world, at long last broke Panama’s defense when Dries Mertens controlled in a breathtaking volley.
Panama, 55th in the rankings, had an opportunity to grab an equalizer yet Thibaut Courtois was speedy off his line to spare Michael Murillo’s shot with his legs.
Manchester United striker Lukaku made sure of the triumph as he scored with a plunging header after a choice go from Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne with the outside of his boot.
Lukaku at that point included a third with a chipped finish after a fine through ball from Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.
Belgium go up against Tunisia in their second match on Saturday, 23 June (13:00 BST), before Panama are England’s second rivals multi day later (13:00 BST).
Gareth Southgate’s side play their first game of the competition later on Monday against Tunisia in Volgograd (19:00 BST).
