The celebration after Panama qualified for the World Cup was wild and emotional, enough that Panama City essentially shut down in honor of reaching football's showcase event for the first time.
Elation from that night last October was replaced with a stark dose of reality when Panama was drawn into Group G and must face powerhouse Belgium in the first match of country's history.
The Red Devils are loaded with talent- and lofty expectation to match — in a group where they are the clear favorites along with England. Romelu lukaku, Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Mousa Dembele, Jan Vertonghen and if he's healthy Vincent Kompany help make up a squad that ranks among the best of any team in the tournament.
If there was ever a time for this group of Belgians to find glory, this would seem to be it.
Belgium haven't lost a World Cup opener since losing to hosts Mexico 2-1 in 1986.
In other words, there is a lot stacked against Panama, which looked lacklustre in their two pre-tournament friendlies, playing to a scoreless draw with Northern Ireland and losing 1-0 to Norway. If Panama are to have a chance against Belgium, they must be allowed to play physically and stifle the Red Devils' pace and movement.
If Hazard, De Bruyne and lukaku are allowed space and time to create, it could get ugly quickly for Panama.