World Cup 2018: Dries Mertens’ spectacular volley stole the show in 3-0 win over Panama
Belgium star made the cleanest of contacts with his first-time effort which looped over the head of helpless keeper Jaime Penedo
THERE is something about a sweetly struck volley that just stands out above all other goals.
Belgium's Dries Mertens showed just how beautiful - and devastating - they can be in the 3-0 thumping of Panama, as watched by David Coverdale.
Belgium were hopeless in the first half of their opening game against Panama.
Slow and sloppy, Roberto Martinez's men could not break down the Central American plodders, who were only intent on kicking lumps out of their illustrious opponents.
But one moment of magic changed everything for the Red Devils - and kickstarted their World Cup campaign.
It was only two minutes into the second half when Dries Mertens swung a cross in for Romelu Lukaku, which was headed clear by Roman Torres.
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Eden Hazard then challenged in the air with Fidel Escobar.
And the ball dropped on the right-hand side of the area for Mertens, who made the cleanest of contacts with his volley which looped over the head of helpless keeper Jaime Penedo.
There was a collective gasp in the Sochi stands as supporters took in what they had just seen.
And from that moment Belgium did not look back against the Panamanians, racking up another two goals as they cruised the second half.