KUWAIT, June 18 (KUNA) -- Belgium manager Roberto Martinez delighted with his players after today 3-0 victory, and Panamas manager Hernan Gomez believes they lost with dignity.
Martinez came to say, "I'm delighted. It was exactly what we expected - there are no easy games at the World Cup. We started very well but then became frustrated as the first half wore on. But I was delighted in the way the team reacted and the commitment everyone showed to keep a clean sheet." Martinez was appreciating his star player taking action, he added, "In the second half we found our composure and the goal from Dries Mertens, a great goal, was so important for us. In a World Cup, you have to play for 90 minutes, and we had to be prepared to work hard, show maturity and real togetherness." After a challenging game for Panama, Gomez said, "I think we have learned a lot from today's game. It was a very emotional day. This is the fifth time I've been at a World Cup but it felt like the first. The team was still very emotional at the start of the match but as time went by, they were able to focus better." Gomez saw the match as a good experience for his country and the team's performance was not bad as his players did their best today and that "you're never happy when you lose, but I told my players that they lost with dignity." The first match of Group G is over with Belgium on top with three points leading temporarily, until the English and Tunisian teams face off tonight to settle the scoreboard. (pick up previous) aq