Belgium lead Panama thanks to one of the goals of the tournament so far

Dries Mertens’ volley put Roberto Martinez’s side into the lead.

By Paul Fennessy Monday 18 Jun 2018, 5:20 PM

Jun 18th 2018, 5:20 PM 6,973 Views 5 Comments

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Belgium 1-0 Panama. Dries Mertens puts Belgium in front with an absolute cracker of a goal #rtesoccer #worldcup #BEL #PAN pic.twitter.com/Sm2lEQ0BEv
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 18, 2018

IT WAS ALWAYS looking like it would take something special to break Panama down on their World Cup debut, and Belgium’s Dries Mertens duly produced a bit of magic.

The underdogs held Belgium to 0-0 in the first half, with Roberto Martinez’s side looking frustrated as they struggled to open up their well-organised opponents.

But early in the second half, after the ball was only half cleared by the Panama defence, the Napoli star was on hand to find the net with a spectacular volley from the edge of the area.

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Belgium lead Panama thanks to one of the goals of the tournament so far

Dries Mertens’ volley put Roberto Martinez’s side into the lead.

Galway United part company with manager ahead of proposed Saudi takeover>