The biggest longshot at the World Cup is Panama. Panama is making its first trip to the World Cup after beating out the United States for the last spot from CONCACAF. No one is expecting much from the Latin American nation in a group that includes England and Belgium, and they are just hoping for a result in their first match against the latter nation on Monday.
Belgium is looking to capitalize on its golden generation. This is the best collection of talent that Belgium has ever had, and now it’s time for them to put it all together. Anything less than a win against Panama in their first game would be a massive disappointment.
The most anticipated sporting event in the world comes around once every four years, so don’t miss any of the 2018 World Cup. This match will take place at Fisht Stadium in Sochi at 11 a.m. ET on Monday, June 18, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FS1.
World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Panama +1985
Belgium -555
Draw +602
Over/Under 2.5 and 3
Recent Form
Panama has not been impressive since qualifying for the World Cup. In March, they faced Denmark and Switzerland and didn’t look impressive against either. Panama lost 1-0 to Denmark and were hammered 6-0 by Switzerland.
They finally notched a win by beating Trinidad and Tobago in April, but they have again been held goalless in their last two matches. Panama drew 0-0 with Northern Ireland at the end of May, and they lost 1-0 to Norway last week. With just one goal in their past five games, there are major concerns about Panama’s offense heading into Russia.
Belgium cruised through a relatively easy group during qualifying. Their toughest foe was Greece, and they had little trouble with them or any other nation in the group.
The Belgians have looked very good in World Cup tune-ups too. Belgium defeated Saudi Arabia, Costa Rica, and Egypt by a combined margin of 10-1 with Romelu Lukaku shining in those matches. He knocked in five of Belgium’s 10 goals, and he is looking to keep it up in Russia.
Player to Watch
Incredibly, Lukaku is Belgium’s all-time leading scorer. He is just 25 years old, but he has been extremely proficient in his matches with the national team. Lukaku has 36 goals in 69 matches, averaging greater than a goal every other match. That’s one of the best ratios of any forward in the world.
He has plenty of talent to feed him up front. Manchester United teammate Marouane Fellaini is one of his teammates, as well as Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard. They should give him plenty of chances. Lukaku was the one proven scorer for United this year, and he is the player that Belgium will turn to when they need a goal.
Matchup to Watch
Panama is likely to put 10 men behind the ball and hope for the best against a team with as much offensive firepower as Belgium. The best offensive options for Panama are both long in the tooth, as Blas Perez is 37 and Luis Tejada is 36. They do not have the pace they once did and will attack in spurts.
However, when they break out, defender Roman Torres will play a big part of the push. Torres is one of the better goal scorers for a defender and will try to press a few times in this match.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
One of the things Panama must worry about is fatigue. Nine of their players are 30 or older, and many of their players are expected to start. Belgium will control possession and force their opponents to run all over the field. Once they break through, it could be a rout, as Panama will have to try to get points.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: Belgium 3, Panama 0
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