Centre forward Romelu Lukaku grabbed an impressive double as a much-improved second-half performance from Belgium earned an ultimately comfortable 3-0 victory over tournament debutants Panama in Monday’s World Cup opener at Fisht Stadium.

A moment of inspiration from Napoli forward Dries Mertens set the Belgians on their way two minutes after the break, his sensational volley breaking the deadlock in staggering fashion after a flat first half.

Manchester United’s Lukaku then headed in City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne’s stylish cross  and chipped in from captain Eden Hazard’s assist to secure victory in this Group G-match, with the Central Americans succumbing to a defeat in their first-ever outing at the finals.

PANAMA (4-1-4-1)

Jaime Penedo – 7: Was blameless as Belgium’s quality finally told in the second half. Made one great save from Mertens in the first half. 

Michael Amir Murillo – 6: Saw his name go up in light when played clean through. But his low effort was smothered by advancing Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Roman Torres – 5:  Blushes were saved when under-hit pass was spurned by Hazard. In second half, couldn’t put a glove on two-goal Lukaku.

Fidel Escobar – 5: New York Red Bulls centre-back performed better than Torres. But his poor header under pressure from tiny Hazard led to Mertens’ wonder goal.

Erick Davis – 5: The 27-year-old left-back was given an education by rotating Hazard and Mertens. One promising late cross just evaded substitute Luis Tejada.

Gabriel Gomez – 6: Stemmed the flow well in the first half, often dropping deep to act as a third centre-back. Influence waned after the break.

Edgar Barcenas – 6: Booked midfielder ran himself into the ground and was part of a double change just past the hour mark after making several fouls.

Armando Cooper – 6: Another one to go into the referee’s notebook for a cynical foul. Has been rarely used by Universidad de Chile, but showed little rust.

Anibal Godoy – 6: Looked capable of prising open the Belgium defence. In other half, was left for dead by Hazard and saved by Penedo.

Jose Luis Rodriguez – 6: The Gent prospect could not make a mark against the land of his employers. Removed shortly after the 60-minute mark.

Blas Perez – 6: The Municipal striker was left to plough a lonely furrow up top. Played all 90 minutes, but did not have an attempt.

SUBS

Ismael Diaz – 6: The winger got into a few promising positions and was then swamped by Belgium defenders.

Gabriel Torres – 6: Given half an hour to make an impression, but did little with it.

Luis Tejada – 6: Was agonisingly close to scoring Panama’s first-ever World Cup goal.