World Cup: Belgium and England battle for top spot in Group G
Sports Scene
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09:37
As the 2018 FIFA World Cup kicked off on Thursday, we look at Group G, which is headed up by Belgium and England. The Red Devils and Three Lions are favorites to progress at the expense of debutants Panama, and Tunisia who are appearing for the first time since 2006, but despite all their talent, the two European nations have been known to choke on the World Cup stage.
Belgium has never made it a success at the World Cup, aside from a semifinal spot in 1986. After Portugal’s victory in Euro 2016, Belgium becomes one of the few European sides who have not win a single major international tournament. However, they head to Russia third in the FIFA rankings, with a squad full of elite talent. Players like Thibaut Courtois, Vincent Kompany, Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard need no further introduction. So, different to the situation where England were burdened with a “Golden Generation” tag one decade ago, this is what Belgium are currently enjoying.
England’s captain Harry Kane training with his teammates at the Spartak Zelenogorsk Stadium, Zelenogorsk. /VCG photo

England’s captain Harry Kane training with his teammates at the Spartak Zelenogorsk Stadium, Zelenogorsk. /VCG photo

The two teams are odds on to get out of the group. With no giants in Group H to provide their opponents in the first knockout round, they have a very decent chance of reaching the last eight at least. The Three Lions are primed for one of their most promising World Cup prospects in decades, and a strong qualifying campaign has heaped loads of pressure on England’s shoulders. With a host of Premier League talent at Gareth Southgate‘s disposal, they shouldn’t have trouble with a relatively straightforward group.
Panama's national football team fans waving a national flag and cheering for their team in a mall in Panama City. /VCG photo

Panama's national football team fans waving a national flag and cheering for their team in a mall in Panama City. /VCG photo

Panama is making its first trip to the World Cup and that’s a reason for the president to claim a national holiday for celebration. The aging squad has struggled mightily in the run-up to this summer’s big dance, with the country heading to Russia with a monumental task of making it out of a very difficult group.
Tunisian footballer Ferjani Sassi celebrating on the pitch after qualifying for the 2018 World Cup finals. /VCG photo

Tunisian footballer Ferjani Sassi celebrating on the pitch after qualifying for the 2018 World Cup finals. /VCG photo

Things are similar to Panama’s another opponent, Tunisia. Although the Eagles have some bright talent ready to represent the flag, some of the bigger names on its side are either injured or struggling to prove their fitness. So it will be difficult for them to make any noise in Group G.