Match 15 : Belgium vs Algeria

Fellani and Mertens helped Belgium to come from behind and beat Algeria in their Group opener.

Belgium 2-1 Algeria

Substitutes Fellani and Mertens scored two goals in the last 20 minutes to help Belgium seal their first victory in this World Cup. Belgium who are among the favourites to win this World Cup were stunned by an early 25th minute goal by Feghouli. But Belgium coach Wilmots turned the match around with second half substitutions. Fellani equalised with a header in the 70th minute followed by Mertens who scored after a brilliant assist from Hazard.

The win puts Belgians at top of the table after an bumpy start. Belgium faces Russia in their next group game and Algeria will play the South Koreans on same day. 

Belgium start to the World Cup would definitely be unforgettable especially after the first half scare. Belgians dominated possession early in the match but they weren't able to break through Algerian defence. Algeria tried their luck several times early in the game but they couldn't find the net. Algeria got their chance in the 23rd minute when Vertonghen pulled down Feghouli in the penalty area and conceding a penalty. Feghouli calmly converted the spot by low shot onto to the middle of the net. With an early goal Algeria stunned the Belgians and held onto lead till half-time. Belgians tried to equalise in the first half but were unable yo break through an organised Algerian defence. Their long range shot proved to be ineffective and only time it troubled the goalkeeper was a shot from Witsel in the 34th minute. Belgium was trailing by one goal at the end of first half.

Belgium bought Mertens at the start of second half. Early in the second half Belgium almost scored when Witsel's header attempt from a corner went off target. Medjani missed a chance for Algeria when he missed a header in the 56th minute. Substitute Origi got a chance to equalise for Belgium but his low shot from outside the box was stopped brilliantly by the advancing keeper. And finally Belgium had their chance to equalise in the 70th minute by Fellani. de Bruyne provided a beautiful cross to Fellani who flicked the ball underside the crossbar and into the net. Within 10 minutes Belgium went ahead with another goal from Mertens. It was de Bruyne again who started the attack for Belgium and Hazard assisted with a good cross to Mertens who fired the ball into net putting Belgium in the lead. Belgium almost got the third goal when Fellani's powerful header at goal but was by the keeper. 

 Belgium's victory was not easy and Algeria almost caused an upset. With current form Algeria can surely trouble the South Koreans in their next encounter. Algeria are becoming favourites in qualifying from this group after an impressive performance against Belgium. The next round of matches in this group would definitely entertain us if the teams play in a similar fashion.