Napoli Star Dries Mertens Gives Belgium The Lead v Panama With Outrageous Volley

Napoli Star Dries Mertens Gives Belgium The Lead v Panama With Outrageous Volley
17:22, 18 Jun 2018

Dries Mertens has just scored an absolute belter for Belgium to give them the lead against group G underdogs Panama. The ball dropped to the Napoli forward on the corner of the box and he unleashed a vicious volley which found the far corner in spectacular fashion.

The Belgians had been struggling to break down a dogged Panama defence who had somehow kept them out until half-time. Nerves could have been settling in for this talented Belgium side as they were struggling to function cohesively as a team however this bit of individual brilliance was enough to break the deadlock.

The whole of Belgium breathed a sigh of relief as the ball found the back of the net after 45 minutes of utter frustration for the hotly tipped Belgian side. Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne was pulling the strings in midfield but his crosses were not of their usual high standards.

Eden Hazard was also trying to influence proceedings but his shots were wayward and it was down to the Napoli man to break Panama. 68 goals in 170 appearances for the Naples side is not a bad return and that ratio has improved brilliantly this season, when he was moved from a wide position to a central striker. 18 goals in 38 Serie A games puts him amongst the best forwards in Europe and he seems to be playing well alongside Romelu Lukaku for Belgium.

The front three of Lukaku, Mertens and Hazard certainly have the potential to cause any side at this World Cup trouble, but manager Roberto Martinez will need to find a way to marry his potent attacking force with a talented but uncoordinated defence.

See Mertens' stunning volley below.

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