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Attendance: 43,257
Belgium national football team
World Cup | Group Stage
Jun 18, 2018 at 4pm UK
 
Panama national football team

3-0

Mertens (47'), Lukaku (69', 75')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Roberto Martinez: 'Belgium very mature in World Cup win over Panama'

Martinez hails
© Reuters
Roberto Martinez is delighted with Belgium's "mature" display in Monday's 3-0 win over Panama in their World Cup opener at Sochi's Fisht Olympic Stadium.

Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has praised his players' "mature" display in a tricky but ultimately resounding 3-0 win over Panama in their World Cup opener.

The Red Devils endured a frustrating first half against the tournament debutants, who defended in numbers and got to half time without conceding.

Belgium improved after the break, however, Dries Mertens opening the scoring on 47 minutes before Romelu Lukaku bagged a brace to put the result beyond doubt.

"I'm delighted," Martinez told reporters. "It was exactly what we expected - there are no easy games at the World Cup.

"We started very well but then became frustrated as the first half wore on. But I was delighted in the way the team reacted and the commitment everyone showed to keep a clean sheet.

"In the second half we found our composure and the goal from Dries Mertens, a great goal, was so important for us.

"In a World Cup, you have to play for 90 minutes and we had to be prepared to work hard, show maturity and real togetherness."

Belgium return to action on Saturday against Tunisia at the Otkrytiye Arena.

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Panama manager Hernan Dario Gomez on March 27, 2018
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Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Germany Germany32107
Q Switzerland Switzerland31205
3 Hungary Hungary31023
4 Scotland flag Scotland30121

Group B

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Q Spain Spain33009
Q Italy Italy31114
3 Croatia Croatia30212
4 Albania national flag Albania30121

Group C

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Q England flag England31205
Q Denmark Denmark30303
Q Slovenia Slovenia30303
4 Serbia Serbia30212

Group D

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Q Austria Austria32016
Q France France31205
Q Netherlands Netherlands31114
4 Poland Poland30121

Group E

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Q Romania Romania31114
Q Belgium Belgium31114
Q Slovakia Slovakia31114
4 Ukraine Ukraine31114

Group F

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Q Portugal Portugal32016
Q Turkey Turkey32016
Q Georgia Georgia31114
4 Czech Republic Czech Republic30121


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