World Cup 2018: 3 things that Panama did right on their debut

#1 Panama almost outthink Belgium

Belgium v Panama Group G - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia:

Martinez’s insistence on using a back three almost played into Panama’s hands. The Panama team knew their limitations and with all due respect, what they lacked in skill they made it up with their passion. Their emotions came bubbling to the surface when their national anthem was played at the start and for the most part of the game they gave a good account of themselves.

Excessive fouling was one way of disrupting Belgium’s rhythm and Panama used that tactic expertly. In the process, they ended up picking almost half a dozen cards as well. And for the first half, that tactic it seemed to bear fruit. The break though rejuvenated the Belgians and once De Mertens opened the scoring with what was another contender for the goal of the tournament, it was always an uphill battle for Panama.

Hernan Darío Gómez Jaramillo, the Colombian who is also nicknamed ‘El Bolillo’ has been around the block and set up his team expertly. Belgium will be chided for their first-half performance but Jaramillo will take heart from this display as he turns his attention to the next game.

Picking up a point was on the agenda and the Colombian had proclaimed before the game that anything is possible in football and had lauded Iceland’s performance against Argentina. It was not possible against Belgium and the good day he had hoped for didn’t materialize.

Based on how some of the “favourites” of the tournament have been outsmarted, it was good that the smelling salts were summoned by the Belgian at half-time. A quicker and clinical performance will give Martinez more trust in his system as he looks to make the most of Belgium’s golden generation.