The Official World Cup 2018 Megathread

[Alan]

Still can't imagine Belgium not winning by multiple goals but Panama are giving a very good account of themselves here.

 

[MARKakaJIM]

Belgium need to have a real look at their shape, not getting anywhere near enough people high up the pitch pressing Panama when they have possession, only really Mertens and de Bruyne look like they've got any intensity about them and just end up over committing with none of the others backing them up.

 

[Jack Regan]

Very pedestrian from the Belgians, although surely Panama will pay for giving away so many niggly and unnecessary free kicks.

 

[MARKakaJIM]

Hard to imagine that Lukaku ever had the sort of fire in his game that he described in that interview someone linked earlier.

 

[Parkins left foot]

Not surprising that this game is being played at a very slow pace - think that it's over 30c & humid there

Temp will aid Panama in trying to be competitive far more than Belgium

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

Hell of a strike.

 

[Jack Regan]

What a hit from Mehrtens.

 

[nimrod]

that's a beaut!

 

[Parkins left foot]

That's what this game needed

 

[Alan]

You don't save those.

 

[Jack Regan]

Suspicion we might see the first red card of the tournament in this one.

 

[Jack Regan]

Massive chance for Panama to equalise.

 

[Alan]

Panama suddenly look quite dangerous.

 

[Alan]

Hazard is such a little brat.

 

[Alan]

Game over. Quality goal tbf.

 

[Carrotdude]

Hell of a cross from De Bruyne

 

[Parkins left foot]

Skill from De Bruyne got that goal - Lukaku just needed to put his head on the ball

 

[Carrotdude]

I just wish there was some communication in the stadium when a goal is being reviewed and confirmed etc just so everyone knows what's going on. We're only aware via the commentators.

 

[Alan]

Could have been different for Panama but Blas Perez is just too old for this level any longer. Needed someone to help give them a foothold while Belgium were sleepwalking through it and he couldn't provide that.

Still, proud of the Panamanians for making a game of it and at least trying to play decent football.

 

[Alan]

I just wish there was some communication in the stadium when a goal is being reviewed and confirmed etc just so everyone knows what's going on. We're only aware via the commentators.

Commentary here clarified that that it wasn't flagged by the replay booth. They took a look after the goal but didn't pass on anything to the ref on the pitch.

"Every goal is checked". Assume that's the only reason for any confusion on our couches.