World Cup

[monks data]

Attendance: 43,257

World Cup | Group Stage

Jun 18, 2018 at 4pm UK

Belgium
3-0
Panama Panama

Mertens (47'), Lukaku (69', 75')

FT(HT: 0-0)

Roberto Martinez : 'Eden Hazard is ready'

By Jonny Whitfield, Reporter

Published: June 18 2018 | 11:41

Last updated: June 18 2018 | 20:04

Roberto Martinez : 'Eden Hazard is ready'

Belgium manager Roberto Martinez insists that playmaker Eden Hazard is "mentally ready" to face Panama in their opening World Cup game.

Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has insisted that playmaker Eden Hazard is "mentally ready" to face Panama in their opening World Cup game.

Hazard took a knock in the Red Devils' final warm-up game against Costa Rica, which was described as a "dead leg" by his coach.

The Spanish boss told The Mirror that Hazard is fully fit and talked up his chances of delivering in Russia this summer.

"Eden's at a great moment in his career. He's the captain - and at a great age. He never finds it difficult to show for the ball," Martinez said. "You can never compare one player to another but in one-on-one situations he's as good as anyone in the world.

"He has had a great end to the season. He won a trophy and the semi-final and final at Wembley has prepared him perfectly. In our last two friendlies, he's looked really sharp.

"He has a great relationship with the players around him - and that allows him to influence greatly what goes on. He looks fresh and mentally ready."

Belgium face Tunisia on Saturday before meeting England next Thursday in their other Group G ties.