Half-time report, Belgium 0-0 Panama: Debutants test Red Devils

Eden Hazard and co found it very hard to get through the Panama defence in the first half which ended goalless in Fisht Stadium.

The Group G match between Belgium and Panama ended goalless at half time.

The first half of the Group G match between Belgium and debutant Panama ended goalless. Belgium, boasting a forward line full of Premier League stars, started the first half with some incisive passes from Dries Mertens and Eden Hazard.

In the 12th minute, Hazard got hold of Roman Torres’ poor backpass, but shot straight into the side netting. Panama almost scored an own goal in the 21st minute when Roman Torres got in the way of his own goalkeeper, trying to clear a Kevin De Bruyne cross.

After a bright start to the game, Belgium suddenly looked blunt while going forward which allowed Panama to break forward on few occasions and even win two corners.

Hazard was able to get another shot of target in the 38th minute, but Jaime Penedo made a good save to keep it out. Panama grew looked less troubled as the clock ticked towards the half time despite De Bruyne making repeated runs down the left flank to draw defenders out of their line.