FIFA World Cup Group G - Belgium vs Panama 

The first weekend of matches has now passed, leaving us with just two groups remaining to step onto the pitch. Monday is headlined by two of Europe's more hopeful sides, as Belgium and England start their journey for those elusive International titles.

The first four days in Russia have not disappointed, and now the landscape begins to take shape as we realize what teams are capable of making long runs, and which sides should end their visit in a mere three match stretch.

Enjoy the second week of World Cup action, as the matches begin to take on more of a sense or urgency, we are certain to witness the highest levels of competition between these worthy opponents. 

62082 Belgium vs 62083 Panama

Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi, Russia 

6-18-2018 - 11:00 am ET 

The golden generation of Belgium football will be on center stage in Sochi, as this talented group of world class players take their first step to what they consider a long run while in Russia, while Panama make their debut at the World Cup, content on proving they do deserve the spot they earned through Concacaf qualifications. 

Belgium enter this tournament as one of the more intriguing teams in the field, after a twelve year wait the Red Devils announced themselves to the world in Brazil, finishing sixth out of the thirty-two team draw, now the expectations have been elevated based on their current squad and European qualifying campaign.

Roberto Martínez gets the luxury of leading this star-ladened side. The Spaniard was instituted in 2016 after parting ways with Premier League side Everton, he quickly found himself in a dream scenario with a real opportunity to collect a major trophy with the Red Devils.

Martínez went straight to work installing his own plan of action, building a more attacking side based out of a 3-4-3 formation, which allowed his players to fully express themselves, in return he was rewarded with a run-away qualifying campaign, as they finished atop the table with two whole matches to go.

The Belgium's are led by creative midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, the Manchester City play-maker has flourished over the past few seasons under Pep Guardiola, he has also raised his level of play while representing his country at the same time.  De Bruyne is the true orchestrator in the middle of the Belgium attack, using his vision and feel for the match during his time on the pitch, the Red Devils maestro applies pin-point passing and has the ability to raise the level of those players around him, which is priceless within Martínez's tactical vision.

Captain Eden Hazard is also prime to shine during his time in Russia, the pacey winger has also continued to grow during his game while in England. The Chelsea danger man is expected to handle the on-field leadership roles, while looking to feed off De Bruyne's execution while in the final third of the pitch. 

The Belgium front-line is fully stacked, Hazard is joined by Dries Mertens and Romelu Lukaku who combine for one of the more dangerous strike forces in this years tournament, combining for 73 combined goals in all competitions, we should get used to seeing this combination of trigger men lighting up the score-lines during their time in Russia.

The Red Devils back-line has recently come under scrutiny for the age of their defenders, but the trio of Toby Alderweireld, Vincent Kompany and Jan Vertonghen have their managers blessing. Martínez feels their overall experience will work too the teams advantage, while also saving energy when the potent Belgium attack possesses the bulk of the possession. 

Les Diables Rouges are also thankful to have one of the best goal-keepers in the world, with Thibaut Courtois as their last line of defense between the sticks. Courtois has become a wall with cat-like reflexes, his high level of concentration allows him to routinely make world-class saves. 

Belgium steam rolled their way through qualifiers in route to Russia, scoring an eye-popping 4.3 Goals per match, in their last 10 European World Cup qualifying fixtures.

The Red Devils defense stood it's ground during the European campaign, conceding an average of 0.4 Goals per match, in their last 10 European World Cup qualifying fixtures.  

Panama are one of two debutantes to make their World Cup debut, now the 'Red Tide' get the unenviable task of facing one of Europe's more high powered teams in the field. 

Hernán Darío Gómez was placed in charge of the National Team in 2014, where he made history by leading the Panamanian's through Concacaf qualifications. The veteran manager is no stranger to the World Cup event, having led both Colombia and Equador to this same stage, his experience should serve this squad well when facing adversity during group play.

Darío Gómez has had several months to devise a calculated game plan going into this specific fixture. The Colombian is certain to try and frustrate the Belgium's with a compact defensive strategy, electing to use a 5-4-1 formation to help off-set the barrage of talented front-line players, while looking to strike on the offensive end when the opportunities are presented.

Gabriel Torres should be the first option to lead the 'La Marea Roja' attack. Torres truly excels when in the open field, looking for long balls over the top of the defense, and quick counter attacking football situations. The Panama game changer must be patient though, and choose his spots to spring into action, where he can truly change the outcome of a match in a flash. 

Panama enter the proceedings as the oldest squad in the field, the veteran unit are certainly desperate for pace to keep up with many of the young legs spread throughout their group, as Edgar Yoel Barcenas and Jose Luis Rodriguez should offer some form of support. The combination of wingers are two of the more youthful members of the team, and provide a rare amount of speed while on the pitch.

Roman Torres is easily the most recognized player on the squad, it was Torres's goal that sealed the Panamanians trip to Russia earlier in the year. The Seattle Sounders defender is dealing with a slight injury concern though, but by all reports be should be ready to go when the ball drops in Sochi.

The Red Tide have found placing the ball in the back of the net a difficult task, scoring an average of 0.9 Goals per Match, during their last 10 Concacaf World Cup Qualifying fixtures.

Panama generally hang their hats on defense, the Cenrtal American side conceded an average of 1 Goal per match, during their last 10 Concacaf World Cup Qualifying fixtures.

Prediction:

Belgium enter this match-up riding a International high, winning 9 of the last 10 FIFA matches they have been involved in, while scoring a minimum of 2 Goals during that highly productive span of play.

Panama on the other hand have staggered into this opening fixture, only capturing 1 victory in their last 5 outings, while continuing to struggle on the offensive side of the ball.

The Red Devils will certainly look to control the tempo of this match, using a heavy amount of ball possession as they continue to apply pressure to the Panama back-line, and eventually look for the break through.

Expect Panama to eventually have all eleven men back looking too defend their side of the pitch, attempting to frustrate the high powered Belgium attack, and catch the Belgium's on a quick counter attack where they are at their best.

This match-up is truly a David vs Goliath situation, but if this European squad arrogantly overlook these pesky Concacaf representatives, we could see another shocking score-line by the end of 90 minutes. 

*Premium World Cup Tips:  2-0-0

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