Belgium has convincingly beaten Panama 3-0 at Fisht Stadium in Sochi in the first game of the Group G at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, easily satisfying the odds at -500 and covering the spread at -2.5 with the wages at +160. We saw a goalless first half, but the clash was ended in the over of the total of 2.5 goals at -145.
Game Recap
Belgium had an easy job against the debutants Panama, although the Red Devils couldn’t break the deadlock in the first half, so the bettors who wagered on Belgium to lead after the first 45 minutes at -175 are surely disappointed. However, it was obvious that Red Devils are playing without breaking too much sweat, creating a few decent scoring chances in the first half, while in the second, they completely dominated Panama. Dries Mertens scored the opener in the 47th minute with a beautiful right-foot volley, while the powerhouse forward Romelu Lukaku hit the brace thanks to assists by Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard.
The Red Devils were massive -500 favorites to beat Panama, and they easily covered the spread at -1.5 with the odds at -149. For the bettors who were brave to wager on a bigger spread, the third goal came in the 75th minute of the match, but Panama had a couple of opportunities to find the net and upset the bettors. The defender Michael Murillo had a one-on-one situation with Thibaut Courtois when Belgium’s goalkeeper made a brilliant save, while Courtois had a good day between the sticks in general.
Belgium was a dominant force in this clash, having the ball on their feet for 60% of the time, and taking 15 shots toward Panama’s net, as six shots went on target. On the other side, Los Canaleros took six shots towards Thibaut Courtois’ net, but it was evident that they are a mediocre team who cannot upset the Red Devils in this one.
On the Matchday 2, Belgium will face another underdog in Group G Tunisia with the odds on Red Devils at -313 to win the match, according to BetDSI Sportsbook. Belgium is a +850 favorite to beat the 2018 FIFA World Cup, while Romelu Lukaku had a nice start of his Golden Boot campaign, so he’s now a +650 favorite to become the 2018 World Cup top goalscorer.
Panama will have a difficult task to qualify for the knock-out phase with the odds at +2500, while in the next round of the group stage, Los Canaleros will meet another heavyweight England as huge +1800 underdogs to get a victory. The price on Panama to beat the 2018 World Cup is +250000 after a defeat against Belgium.
