FIFA World Cup 2018: Romelu Lukaku shows intent in Belgium’s opening game

Romelu Lukaku scored in the 69th and 75th minute to ensure Belgium’s victory over Panama after Dries Mertens drew first blood in the 47th minute

Romelu Lukaku scored twice as Belgium opened their FIFA World Cup 2018 campaign with a comprehensive win over Panama. The Manchester United striker has not always had the best of times for his national side but he was in fine form on Tuesday. (FIFA World Cup 2018 Belgium vs Panama highlights)

Belgium's Romelu Lukaku, center, Panama's Fidel Escobar, right, and Panama's Eric Davis, left, challenge for the ball during the group G match between Belgium and Panama at the FIFA World Cup 2018. (AP)

If there is one thing Romelu Lukaku has proven over and over during his time in the Premier League, it is that he is hard to deal with when he is in form.

However, perhaps the biggest criticism levelled at him is that he has struggled sometimes when wearing the Belgium national football team shirt.

Indeed, his performance in Belgium’s opening game of the 2014 FIFA World Cup was so poor that he was hauled off before the hour mark and replaced by Divock Origi, who played the role of the central striker much better in subsequent games.

READ | FIFA World Cup 2018: Belgium outclass Panama as Romelu Lukaku scores brace

He only scored his only goal of the tournament in the 2-1 win vs USA in the round of 16. His form two years later in the UEFA European Championships wasn’t much better as he scored just twice.

Yet he began the FIFA World Cup 2018 with a bang, netting a brace as Belgium made a winning start to the tournament against World Cup debutants Panama.

Lukaku’s first goal was the kind of goal he’s scored many times in his career. Kevin De Bruyne put in a cross with the outside of his foot and all ‘Big Rom’ had to do was nod the ball beyond the keeper.

The second time he was put through on goal by Eden Hazard. The Panama shot-stopper rushed off his line and Lukaku cleverly dinked the ball over the oncoming ‘keeper to put the exclamation mark on the win.

Belgium next play Tunisia on June 23 at the Otkritie Arena in Moscow before travelling to Kallningrad to take on fellow European heavyweights England in their final game of the group stages.