The Belgians are expected to top Group G, and they will begin treading that path on Monday against Panama, who are making their first appearance in the World Cup. Read on for a preview of this showdown between a football powerhouse and a minnow.
Belgium are stacked with talent which is why plenty of experts are expecting not only for them to top Group G but to also go deep in the tournament. The Red Devils are ranked third in the world and feature a lineup that has the immense tandem of midfielder Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City and Eden Hazard of Chelsea. With those two, Belgium are going to be assured of ample scoring opportunities in Russia. That/s not to mention the presence up front of Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United) and a back line bannered by the likes of Vincent Kompany (Manchester City) and Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur). Against a minnow like Panama, the Red Devils should easily come away with a victory in the opener. In their latest preparation for the World Cup, Belgium destroyed Costa Rica on Jun. 11, 4-1 in a friend match. Prior to that the Red Devils toyed with Egypt in a 3-0 victory.
Betting on Panama (+1450)
This is Panama’s first trip to the World Cup, which is a great news for the nation alone, but they’re definitely looking to slip on the glass slipper right out of the gate in the tournament. Beating Belgium sounds like wishful thinking for Panama, but if they want to at least avert a colossal embarrassment, La Marea Roja will need everybody on their roster to step up, including Ramos Torres, the Seattle Sounders defender and viewed as the Panama’s best player. Also keep an eye on Blas Perez, who is 37-years-old, but has scored 43 goals for the national team. That’s tied with Luis Tejada for most in international competition among Panamanians. Midfielder Armando Cooper will provide energy for the team whether it’s by trying to break up opposing attacks, setting up the offense, or looking for goals himself.
