The second match of the three at the World Cup on Monday is the first one in Group G which is England’s group so plenty of eyes will be on the BBC’s coverage of the match involving Belgium and debutants Panama.
You rarely get genuine David vs Goliath battles in the World Cup but this is one of those with powerhouses Belgium being touted to win the tournament and lowly Panama just being grateful they are here.
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Belgium
He will never admit it but I suspect Roberto Martinez could not have asked for a better opening fixture for his side. They usually feast on minnows and have an ideal chance to lay a marker down here and gain some massive confidence at the same time. If they needed any more reason to be encouraged by this fixture it has come over the weekend when the Red Devils will have seen Argentina, Brazil, Spain and Germany all fail to win. Not only does it open the competition up but it should make sure they are focused and treat this seriously.
It is hard to spot a weakness in this Belgium side on the pitch. If there is one then you would probably suggest that it is in defensive areas but it is hard to see that being exposed in this match. Belgium are going to see an awful lot of the ball in this contest and if it falls to the feet of the right people they should fire themselves into the event with a bang.
Panama
It took a quite amazing set of results on the final day of North American qualifying but amazingly the fall out to Honduras and USA not reaching this tournament is that Panama have. We should see a side prepared to have a real good go now that they are here but sadly modern football doesn’t work like that, or at least I don’t expect it to here.
The problem I have with Panama is they lack real quality in offensive areas. In the past we’ve seen the likes of Iceland, Peru, Wales and Burkina Faso have unlikely deep runs in major tournaments but they have all had focal points and class acts in attack. Panama don’t have that. Any team can be well organised, and they will be that, but this Belgium side can be fearsome to face.
Team News
Belgium will be without Thomas Vermaelen and Vincent Kompany due to injury although given the heavy nature of action in the tournament there is every chance Kompany would have been rested anyway. Dedyrck Boyata is expected to take his place in the side.
Panama’s plans were hit last week when Alberto Quintero broke his foot and was ruled out of the tournament. Centre-back Roman Torres has recovered from a hamstring injury so the Seattle Sounders star should play.
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Betting
Belgium have won each of their last four games in World Cup group stages and are 5-3-1 in their opening match with their defeat coming to home nation Mexico in 1986. I expect that record to continue here against a game but ultimately limited Panama.
I really expect Belgium to throw the kitchen sink at Panama here. We’ve already seen nerves and the occasion hit the likes of Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and Morocco in this tournament and I would be surprised if Panama are near their best in this match. They will need to be just to attempt to contain Belgium. Given that Belgium have another 10 days until they play England they’ve no need to ease up here and when they make subs even those coming on are going to make an impact. I’m expecting our second resounding win of the tournament and will play the handicaps accordingly.
Tips
WON – Back Belgium (-2AH) to beat Panama for a 5/10 stake at 2.04 with TLCBet
Back them here:
PUSH – Back Belgium (-3AH) to beat Panama for a 2/10 stake at 3.90 with 888sport
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