Football World Cup 2014: Belgium defeat Rusia 1-0 by coming back into the game

RIO DE JANEIRO: Belgium finally achieved a place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup™ with a last-gasp 1-0 victory over Russia in Rio de Janeirio

Having both risen from the substitutes’ bench to inspire a 2-1 great comeback win over Algeria in their opener, Belgium coach Marc Wilmots included Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens into his XI. Thomas Vermaelen took place in defence but was later forced off with injury. For his part, Fabio Capello 
made two changes, keeping faith with goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.

Belgium’s ingrained responsbility to attack was apparent during the opening exchanges at the Maracana, although the ensuing space confessed in defence afforded Victor Fayzulin a chance to clip a long-range drive accurately at goal. Thibaut Courtois punched away safely.

In response, the Red Devils launched a continual plague along the right flank. First, Kevin De Bruyne sprint forward and discharged Mertens, but the latter’s stroke into the centre was cleared before Romelu Lukaku could pounce. Napoli wide-man Mertens then made two chance out of individual wisely play but sent each off target.

The same fate befell Origi with little over ten minutes remaining before, as in the opening period, Russia wasted an appeal – a timely Andrey Eshchenko run latched onto a smart pass to the flank, but the No22’s hit carried wide. Kevin Mirallas directed a low free-kick onto the left post but Origi put away hard and true in the 88th minute to safe all three points and qualification.