While not astounded by Panama’s physical approach, Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said the World Cup debutants submitted pointless tackless amid Monday’s Group G showdown. Belgium opened their campaign with a 3-0 triumph because of Romelu Lukaku’s brace and Dries Mertens’ shocker in Sochi, however, they were made to work for it by newcomers Panama at Fisht Stadium. There were powerful difficulties flying in from Hernan Dario Gomez’s side, particularly in the principal half – Belgium captain and hotshot Eden Hazard enduring the worst part of the unpleasant treatment.
Hazard’s left leg was strapped post-match, though the attacker played it off when talking to reporters. When Courtois was asked about Panama’s tactics, which resulted in five yellow cards, he said: “We knew they are aggressive. They give unnecessary kicks. I think the referee gave enough yellows. I think even sometimes he could let the play go on a bit more. I guess he knew he had to stop it quickly.
“It’s football. There are contact and tackles. But if it’s cheap tackles that can hurt then officials have to be careful and act. But it’s a contact sport. You can always be late and its part of football. But when it’s unnecessary and cheap then maybe [there could be more protection].”