TWO OF ENGLANDS GROUP-G RIVALS ARE COMING HEAD TO HEAD IN THE FIRST MATCH - Googly Mania

		
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
								
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
							
					
				
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
				
		
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        

	
        

        
        

        
        

	
        

        
        
		














		

    

    
        
        
        

TWO OF ENGLANDS GROUP-G RIVALS ARE COMING HEAD TO HEAD IN THE FIRST MATCH

So what is it then, Belgium? Are you ready to take the next step and get in the running to win a major international title, or will the so-called ‘Golden Generation’ come to a close without a trip to the podium? On paper, Belgium has one of the best sides in the tournament and shouldn’t have much trouble with Panama on Monday. This is the type of match that can do wonders for a high-quality team if the ball finds the net a few times, but anything less will be considered a disappointment. Panama will need to be on the guard in their first World Cup game as they try and stop Belgium from making a strong start in Russia. Belgium is among the favourites with one of the most talented squads in the tournament, and Roberto Martinez's men will be looking to make a statement of intent against Panama. Belgium manager Roberto Martinez is a man under pressure, despite losing only one match in charge of the national team since his tenure began in 2016.

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With a squad comprised of some of the world's most talented players, the Spaniard has a huge task on his hands succeeding where his predecessors have failed. The Red Devils aced their qualifying group, winning all but one of their 10 matches to top the pile with 28 points, nine more than runners-up Greece. Fast-paced, attacking football has been the driving force behind their success, and the Belgians netted a whopping 43 goals on the road to Russia, more than any other European nation.

Panama has been dubbed the weakest team in the tournament on paper and is thus tipped to end up on the wrong side of a heavy defeat against the Belgians. Their greatest strength is arguably their manager Hernan Gomez, who is the only member of their camp with prior World Cup experience.

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Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany is likely to be benched for Belgium's opener due to concerns over his fitness, with Laurent Ciman of Los Angeles FC touted as a possible replacement forcentre-back.

The Red Devils are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Lukaku operating as a lone striker.

Meanwhile, Panama may be forced to gamble on the fitness of centre-back Roman Torress, due to a lack of viable replacements, while Avila is likely to be handed a key midfield role.

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