Matchday 5 of the 2018 FIFA World Cup sees Group G gets underway on Monday in Russia with group favorites Belgium and England both in action.
However, before those fixtures kick off Sweden and South Korea begin the day’s action in Group F. Both teams will look for a win to begin their campaigns following Mexico’s upset win over Germany yesterday. Emil Forsberg sparks the Sweden attack, while Son Heung Min will carry the South Koreans.
The second match of the day sees Belgium and Panama duke it out in Sochi. Roberto Martinez has some of the world’s top talent at his disposal as Belgium look to make a deep run. Panama are led by several MLS players and will have a tough task ahead of them on Monday.
England faces Tunisia in the final match of the day, with the Three Lions expected to march on. Harry Kane and Dele Alli are two headlining stars for Gareth Southgate’s men, while Raheem Sterling also looks to make an impact. Tunisia is led by former Sunderland man Wahbi Khazri who had a solid season in France domestically.
The SBI editorial staff will be on hand all day long providing live commentary of the matches. Feel free to jump in the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments below.
Enjoy the action.
GOAL BELGIUM! Whole bunch of ping pong in the box and it falls to Mertens, who hits a RIDICULOUS volley across the goal and into the back of the net. What a goal.
Second half has been spectacular from Belgium, who found their rhythm. Lukaku in particular has stepped up as the stars came out with urgency in the second. 3-0 Belgium with the potential for more.
HALFTIME: An impressive half from Panama, who have been a bit more attacking than many expected. 0-0 heading to the locker room with no crazy chances for either side. Panama certainly impressing, but doing it for another 45 will be a big ask.
With first half winding down, game has definitely settled down. Not much going on for either side, which is perfectly fine for Panama.
Panama growing a bit in confidence, but still walking a tight line. Great defelection from Roman Torres to prevent a goal. Last 10 minutes have been better than the first 10 for Panama.
First 10 or so minutes exactly as you’d expect as Panama defends for their lives. Penedo with a few good saves to start the match, including a solid stop on Mertens.
Second match of the day is getting set following Sweden’s narrow win over South Korea. Panama the heavy underdogs against a talented Belgian team featuring a number of stars in the starting lineup. Here’s a closer look at both teams:
BELGIUM XI: Courtois; Alderweireld, Boyata, Vertonghen; Meunier, De Bruyne, Witsel, Carrasco; Mertens, Lukaku, Hazard.
PANAMA XI: Penedo; Murillo, Escobar, Torres, Davis; Gomez, Godoy, Cooper, Rodriguez, Barcenas; Perez.