Belgium produced a dominant second half display as they thrashed World Cup debutants Panama 3-0 at the Olympic Stadium, Fisht in what was their opening Group D game at the ongoing tournament in Russia.

The Europeans struggled to break down their opponents in the first half as Panama held out for a goalless draw at halftime.

Roberto Martinez and his players upped the tempo at the start of the second half and the move paid instant dividends as Dries Mertens netted a fine goal with two minutes gone to break the deadlock for the Red Devils.

Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku then scored two goals in six minutes at the start of the game’s last quarter to make it a comprehensive scoreline for the 1986 World Cup semifinalists.

His brace takes Lukaku to 10 goals in the last 10 games for Belgium thus taking his overall goal tally to a record 38 in 70 games.

Belgium move to the top of Group F as a result of the win, while Panama occupy bottom spot ahead of the group’s second game between England and Tunisia.