World Cup LIVE: Belgium vs Panama confirmed teams, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard start

Belgium’s so-called golden generation begin their World Cup campaign against finals debutants Panama in Sochi.

Chelsea forward Eden Hazard, Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne and Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku are among the attacking options in Roberto Martinez’s squad.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defenders Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld provide strength at the other end of the pitch.

Opponents Panama are the fifth lowest ranked team in the competition and playing in a World Cup for the first time.

BELGIUM vs PANAMA

Belgium XI: Courtois, Alderweireld, Boyata, Vertonghen, Meunier, Witsel, De Bruyne, Carrasco, Mertens, E. Hazard, R. Lukaku.

Panama XI: Penedo, Murillo, Escobar, Torres, Davis, Gomez, Godoy, Cooper, Rodriguez, Barcenas, Perez.

TWITTER ROUND-UP

Chris: This afternoon’s game between Panama and Belgium is the first time we’ll have seen a proper mis-match of playing ability in this World Cup. Big scoreline inbound…

Tom: Still waiting for one of the World Cup “contenders” to play an impressive opening match. Wonder if Belgium might be the first to do so as they are far better than Panama.

Sean: Time too watch Belgium! Should hammer Panama on paper but not expecting anything after this week. 2-0 maybe 3-0 I’m saying though.

The people have spoken, and they all agree that Panama are going to take a beating.

BIG MONEY…

15:25: I’ve just heard that the 2018 FIFA World Cup is set to become the most wagered event of all time, with as much as £1.5 billion being staked on the tournament.

£1.5billion?! The boffins down at BonusCodeBets.co.uk found that the total amount wagered equates to £4,000 per second.

I don’t know about these punters, but I haven’t won a sausage from my series of mahussive £1 stakes.

TEAM NEWS – PANAMA

15:20: Now I’ll admit my knowledge of the Panama squad isn’t as strong as my love of the trademark hat would suggest.

I know that 37-year-old Blas Perez starts in attack by himself. He’s got a task on his hands to navigate his way past Boyata, Vertonghen and Alderweireld.

TEAM NEWS – BELGIUM

15:15: OK, let’s see what Roberto Martinez has done with this starting XI.

There aren’t too many surprises with Dries Mertens, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard forming the three-pronged attack.

The injured Vincent Kompany is replaced by Celtic’s Dedryck Boyata, while Tottenham duo Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen are also included.

PRIVILEGED…

15:05: Roberto Martinez knows he’s a lucky boy to have this star-studded squad at his disposal.

Makes a change from the Wigan days I suppose. Although Gary Caldwell shouldn’t be underestimated…

Anyway, the glittering array of talent has seen Belgium installed as one of the tournament favourites and Spaniard Martinez hopes he can mould his individual stars into an effective team unit.

“We’ve said it for a long time now, we’re privileged to have this sort of group of players, not just with their skills – their skills are essential – but I think it’s more their attitude and the way they are ambassadors for Belgian football,” said Martinez.

“In Belgium we’ve got a population of 11 million and to produce these sort of players is not by accident or coincidence, it’s a lot of work. Now we have got players that are very important at club level and what we want to do is bring them together in the national team.

THE TEAM ARRIVES…

15:00: And here ate your line-ups , folks. Roberto Martinez makes the big decision to start Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata ahead of Manchester City’s Vincent Kompany.

Belgium XI: Courtois, Alderweireld, Boyata, Vertonghen, Meunier, Witsel, De Bruyne, Carrasco, Mertens, E. Hazard, R. Lukaku.

Subs: Mignolet, Casteels, Kompany, Dendoncker, Hazard, Tielemans, Dembele, Fellaini, Chadli, Januzaj, Batshuayi.

Panama XI: Penedo, Murillo, Escobar, Torres, Davis, Gomez, Godoy, Cooper, Rodriguez, Barcenas, Perez.

Subs: Claderon, A Rodriguez, Cummings, G Torres, Diaz, Machado, Pimentel, Arroyo, Ovalle, Tejada, Avila, Baloy.

HAVE YOUR SAY

14:45: If you want to vent your frustrations, or discuss any issues in the world of football (within reason), then get in touch!

You can either comment at the bottom of the page or contact me via Twitter using the hashtag #ExpressSport.

WELCOME

14:40: Hello everyone, welcome to our LIVE coverage of the World Cup.

How’s everyone feeling today? Don’t worry if you’ve been working and missed today’s opener between Sweden and South Korea, because the main events are still to come.

England opener their World Cup campaign a little later this evening, but first their Group G rivals Belgium take on the mighty Panama…

Panama are the fifth lowest ranked team in the competition and playing in a World Cup for the first time.

Could we see a few goals? I think it’s a certainty. Standby for team news and line-ups.