World Cup 2018: Eden Hazard warns Belgium’s best is still to come after beating Panama

The Chelsea forward struggled to make an impact as Belgium failed to break down World Cup debutants Panama in first half of 3-0 win, but created a game-clinching third

Eden Hazard was one of many Belgium stars who misfired early on in Sochi, with the Chelsea forward wasting a good opportunity to break the deadlock in the 12th minute.

Much was expected from Hazard – whose mind could have been elsewhere after he opened up to the possibility of leaving Chelsea in a pre-match interview with L’Equipe – after Belgium and Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois insisted his club and international team-mate was in the “form of his life” ahead of Monday’s encounter, but he, like the rest of his team-mates, did not get going until the second half.

“He [Courtois] wants to give me confidence, that’s why he says that,” Hazard said. “No, I’m in a good moment. The pre-World Cup was good, the friendly games I played in were good. I played well again today but we will see the best of Eden Hazard maybe later.”

Later could mean Hazard hits top gear in Belgium’s final group game against England in Kaliningrad, which is likely to be pivotal to both teams, in securing top spot in Group G, or even cementing qualification for the last 16.

Hazard, though, knows Belgium have to improve to be certain of arriving in Kaliningrad with six points.

“People say that Belgium will win every game but it’s not so simple,” Hazard added. “I think we can do better. The second half was much better, we scored goals, the only problem is that the first half we were a little bit too slow.

“We need to play more with quality and we saw in the second half that when we play together, when we defend together we can score goals, and that’s the most important thing in football.”