Match Report, Highlights and Man of the Match: Belgium 2-1 Algeria

Belgium started their World Cup campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Algeria.

Belgium started the brighter of the two sides but could not find a breakthrough in the match. Belgium had 10 shots on goal in the first half but couldn’t beat the goalkeeper in from. Feghouli provided the lead for the Algerians through a penalty after he was brought down by Vertonghen inside the box. Feghouli coolly converted the penalty through the center as the goalkeeper dived to his right. The half ended as Algerians went into the break with a goal lead but Belgium had more attacking threat and the ball possession.

Manager Mark Wilmonts of Belgium brought in Dries Mertens in the second half for Nacer Chadli but could not break in. The biss then further made couple of changes by bringing in 18 year old Divock Origi for Romelu Lukaku and Maroune Fellaini for Moussa Dembele. In the 70th minute, the cross from Kevin De Bruyne was headed in by substitute Maroune Fellaini to put the game back in level terms. The headed hit the inside of the crossbar before going in.

After 10 minutes of equalizing the match, Belgium, equalized through yet another substitute Dies Mertens. He guided the ball from Eden Hazard into the top corner giving no chance to the goalkeeper. Algeria tried to come back in the match with couple of substitutions but that went in vain and Belgium registered their first victory in the group and accumulated three points.

Man of The Match:

Eden Hazard, the winger who plays for Chelsea Football Club in the premier League was awarded the man of the match for his brilliant performance. He provided the assist for winning goal scored by Dries Mertens and had 69 touches throughout the match. He had pass accuracy of 84% and completed 5 dribbles with a tackle to his name.

 

HIGHLIGHTS:

Click here to watch Penalty of Feghouli [0-1]

Click Here for Fellaini Goal [1-1]

Click here for Mertens winner [2-1]