Hazard: Lukaku was 'hiding' before 2-goal haul vs. Panama

Eden Hazard felt he needed to tell Romelu Lukaku to be more involved in the match during half-time of Belgium's World Cup opener against Panama, potentially spurring the Manchester United striker's two-goal showing in an imperious second stanza.

The Red Devils were frustrated by being unable to breach Panama in the opening half, but Lukaku's brace followed a fine volley from Dries Mertens to open the scoring just after the break.

Related: Belgium overcomes frustrating 1st half to beat Panama with ease

"It's not easy playing with a man missing," Hazard said when revealing his pep talk with Lukaku, according to BBC Sport. "At half-time, I told him we needed him."

Hazard added: "He'd been hiding out a bit up front. But once he got in there, involved in the game, like magic, he scored two.

"I hope he understands that now."

Belgium takes on Tunisia in Moscow on Saturday. The North Africans were beaten 2-1 by England in their opener, but had physically warded off Gareth Southgate's side after the break until Harry Kane's 91st-minute winner.