Belgium once again left it late to win against the Russians in the second match of the group stage. The 1-0 win over Russia ensured the Belgians a spot in the last 16 even before they play their final match in the group stage against South Korea.
The first half went goalless with neither of two teams getting any clear goal scoring opportunity. Russia came close to open the scoring twice when they tested the Belgian keeper from distance. The Belgian keeper was up to the task and made it look easy parrying both of the attempts to safety. There was nothing remarkable from the Red Devils in the first half other than Mertens who started the match he had come on as a substitute in the first match to score the winner.
As the teams kicked off in the second half from where they had begun in the first half, Belgium looked to grab the initiative as early as possible. Russia also made few attempts but neither could get a sniff of the goal. Finally it was in the 88th minute that Belgium broke the deadlock. Eden Hazard made a good run down the left, went pas t two defenders and put the ball on Origi’s way who made no mistake from handshaking distance. Belgium was up 1-0 and it was yet again a substitute who scored for the Belgians. Incidentally both the goals scored by Belgium in their first encounter against Algeria were substitutes.
Russia after conceding in the 88th minute had no other option but to go all out and this created a golden opportunity for Belgium to double their lead and settle the whole thing but Eden Hazard’s pass was not up to mark and the match ended with the score 0f 1-0 in favour of Belgium.
Tags: FIFA 2014 FIFA Worldcup football Worldcup
