Belgium eased to an opening fixture win over Panama to top Group G, running out with a 3-0 against against the World Cup debutants, but coach Roberto Martinez was not entirely happy. Speaking after the final whistle, the former Wigan manager expressed his concern at one aspect of the tie in particular, Martinez stated that he was worried by the rugged approach employed by Panama fearing that a bad tickle may lead to him losing one of his important players.
“Every team can prepare how they like, but the tackling concerns me. I wouldn’t like to lose Hazard to a hard tackle on his ankle, I say it for him and all the great players here,” Martinez said.