For the entire match between Belgium and Panama, the question of a Belgian goal was one of "when" rather than "if." Belgium was knocking on the door and Dries Mertens finally broke a 0-0 tie with a fantastic goal in the second half. The Napoli striker didn't hit the ball particularly hard, but it was perfect placement off of an incredible volley.
PICK THAT ONE OUT!
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 18, 2018
Dries Mertens hits the volley perfectly to put Belgium up 1-0. pic.twitter.com/Pkvv28VCYk
Sometimes, it's easy to take for granted how outrageously coordinated these players are. Luckily, plays like this goal from Mertens remind us.
Those watching had a lot to say about the goal.
What a goal from Mertens!! pic.twitter.com/R9Ia0Rbk8R
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) June 18, 2018
Dries Mertens opens the scoring for Belgium, his 15th goal for #BEL and 2nd career #WorldCup goal.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 18, 2018
He also scored in Belgium's opening match at the 2014 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/rlRHZdQQhB
Mertens breaks the deadlock!!!#BEL: Relieved. pic.twitter.com/eXP4WSwESk
— COPA90 US (@COPA90US) June 18, 2018
Dries Mertens has some properly outrageous World Cup hair and that’s why he scored that goal.
— Ryan Rosenblatt (@RyanRosenblatt) June 18, 2018
In a World Cup short of properly outrageous hair, the bold will be truly rewarded.
DRIES F-ING MERTENS!
— Jimmy Conrad (@JimmyConrad) June 18, 2018
Technique > power.
That could have been the US staring slack-jawed at a moment of Belgian brilliance (again)!
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) June 18, 2018
Dries Mertens had no right to score that goal
— Zito (@_Zeets) June 18, 2018
Welp, that changes everything
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) June 18, 2018
Belgium dominated possession throughout the match to this point, seemingly missing opportunity after opportunity. A draw against Panama would be tough for the 2014 quarterfinalists, but Mertens at least put the onus on Panama to tie the match. Not only that, he did so on an utterly amazing goal.
Belgium would go on to score two more goals to win, 3-0. You can recap all of the action with us in our live blog here.