Romelu Lukaku scored twice as Belgium proved too good for World Cup debutants Panama in the opening match in England's Group G.
The Belgians laboured for large periods but still ran out comfortable 3-0 winners in Sochi.
After a goalless first half, Belgium ranked third in the world, finally broke Panama's resistance when Dries Mertens steered in a spectacular volley.
Panama, 55th in the rankings, had a chance to snatch an equaliser but Thibaut Courtois was quick off his line to save Michael Murillo's shot with his legs.
Manchester United striker Lukaku made certain of the victory as he scored with a diving header after an exquisite pass from Kevin de Bruyne with the outside of his boot.
Lukaku then added a third with a chipped finish after a fine through ball from Chelsea's Eden Hazard.
Belgium take on Tunisia in their second match on Saturday, 23 June, before Panama are England's second opponents a day later.
Latest Stories
-
Center for Learning and Childhood Development Director Dr Kwame Sakyi honoured at Ghana Philanthropy Awards
9 hours -
Asantehene receives 28 looted artefacts
10 hours -
CAF WCL 2024: Ghana’s Thelma Baffour wins title with TP Mazembe
10 hours -
Benjamin Boakye slams politicisation of energy sector issues and ECG’s inefficiencies
10 hours -
Erastus Asare Donkor and Dr Neta Parsram win big at 10th Mining Industry Awards
11 hours -
Government is “suppressing information” about power sector challenges – IES Director
11 hours -
Majority of our debts caused by forex shortfall – ECG Boss
11 hours -
Pan-African Savings and Loans supports Ghana Blind Union with boreholes
12 hours -
Bole-Bamboi MP Yussif Sulemana donates to artisans and Bole SHS
12 hours -
Top up your credit to avoid potential disruption – ECG to Nuri meter customers
12 hours -
Dutch & Co wins 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year Award
12 hours -
We’ll cut down imports and boost consumption of local rice and other products – Mahama
15 hours -
Prof Opoku-Agyemang donates to Tamale orphanage to mark her birthday
16 hours -
Don’t call re-painted old schools brand new infrastructure – Prof Opoku-Agyemang tells gov’t
16 hours -
Sunon Asogli plant will be back on stream in a few weeks – ECG
16 hours