Belgium sneak past Algeria
Second half goals to Belgium substitutes Fellaini and Mertens have helped the Red Devils overturn a one nil half time deficit as they defeated group H opponents Algeria 2-1.
Throughout the whole match Belgium were in complete control, dominating all aspects of play and maintaining 61% of the ball. What the Red Devils struggled to do for the first half was breakdown the Algerian defence which was stood resolute awaited patiently for an opportunity to counter.
Despite everything the Belgium’s threw at the Algeria, all it took was one swift counter and the break was on. Breaking down left flank, the ball was crossed into the box to a flying Feghouli who was brought down in the box by Vertonghen. The Algerian forward Feghouli, slotted home from the penalty spot in the 25th minute. The next 20 minutes was much the same and it would be the Red Devils who had all the work to do in the second half to turn around this 0-1 deficit.
To begin the second half, Belgium coach Marc Wilmots substituted Chadli for Mertens in an effort to break down the Algerian defence further and create more chances by working the ball into the penalty area. Within the first five minutes, Mertens influence was telling. He began to feed the ball in and around the penalty area creating those chances Belgium was seeking in the first 45. Algerian goalkeeper Rais was starting to become their only line of defence as the Belgium attack was coming together and opening up the back four more often. This was exactly the start they were looking for and Wilmots substitutions would prove a master stroke.
In the 65th minute Marouane Fellaini came on and it now seemed only a matter of time until the Belgium’s got the break through. Within five minutes, Fellaini the Manchester United midfielder, rose above his defender to score in the 70th minute. Straight away Algerian coach reacted to Belgium coaches tactics as Medhi Lacen was brought on to tighten up the midfield. All instructions to prevent the work being done by the Belgium’s in midfield fell on deaf ears. The change had come too late as momentum had now swung and Belgium was coming home with a wet sail.
Less than 10 minutes later De Bruyne dispossessed the Algerian efforts in attack and the counter was on. Eden Hazard sent a beautiful threw ball through the heart of midfield onto a streaming Mertens down the right who struck home the winner in the 80th minute. They went looking for a third but Rais knocked back any effort by the Belgium’s as he tried to save his side from any further punishment.
The final score: Belgium 2 – 1 Algeria
- Belgium will next face Russia on Monday 2am AEST.
- Russia who drew 1-1 with Korea Republic in group H’s other fixture are a side not to be taken lightly. They were unlucky not to take all three points given their stronger finish to the match.
- A win for Belgium will ensure qualification to the round of 16 but if world cup results are anything to go by, then there still may be a few surprises yet.
- Korea Republic and Algeria match will take place on Monday 5am AEST. A loss for Algeria will signal the end to their world cup campaign. A Korean win will boost confidence heading into their final match against Belgium.
