World Cup warm up: Can ultimate underdog Panama exploit Belgium's weaknesses?

There have been a number of so-called mismatches in quality at the World Cup so far but Belgium’s meeting with debutants Panama is undoubtedly the greatest on paper.

Roberto Martinez’s side entered the tournament among the outside shots to lift the trophy and will have been enthused by the struggles of those ahead of them in the outright odds.

Panama, meanwhile, are the real surprise entrant at the finals this summer having qualified at the expense of USA and will be there to enjoy the occasion as huge underdogs.

The concern for the Central Americans, who will line-up with a flat back five and pack men behind the ball, is that they lack any real pace on the counter, so they must hold firm for as long as possible if this is to end in anything but a convincing win for the Red Devils.

Belgium have the players to pick the locks of even the staunchest of defences after all, with Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard among those pulling the strings and providing the ammunition for Romelu Lukaku.

Team news and odds in our match preview

For a more esteemed opponent there would be areas of fragility to exploit in this Belgian side, however, notably at the back where Derrick Boyata looks set to start at the hear of a back three in the absence of Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen.

The left flank is attacking to say the least too, with Yannick Carrasco set to be deployed as a makeshift left wing-back, receiving very little protection from captain Hazard.

Panama’s strength is at the back rather than upfield though, with the five strong rearguard all plying their trade in MLS, along with midfielder Anibal Godoy, who will have a long afternoon on his hands in Sochi.

Anything other than a comfortable Belgium win would be the latest in a string of shocks for the pre-tournament favourites.

Writer Predictions:

Martin Laurence - Belgium 3-0 Panama

Ben McAleer - Belgium 4-0 Panama

Josh Wright - Belgium 6-0 Panama