Fellaini shines for Belgium as they beat Algeria 2-1
Marouane Fellaini came on as a subtitute to inspire Belgium to come from behind and defeat Algeria on Wednesday morning (June 18).
The midfielder, who had a debut season with his club side Manchester United that can best be described as "could have done better", deftly flicked a Kevin De Bruyne cross into the net in the 70th min.
The 26-year-old's goal canceled out Algeria's lead.
Unfancied Algeria took the lead in the 25th min through a Sofiane Feghouli penalty.
The goal jolted the 11th-ranked Belgians into life but although they continued to dominate possession, they struggled to create clear-cut openings, forced to rely on the occasional shot from long range.
It looked like the Belgians, the tournament's dark horse, were going to start their World Cup campaign with a loss until Fellaini was introduced in the 65th minute.
He used his physical presence (and massive Afro) to bully the Algerian defence and eventually scored Belgium's first goal in the 70th minute.
Then in the 80th min, another substitute, Dries Mertens fired home to save the Belgians from blushing.
Eden Hazard provided a delicious through ball which Mertens did well to smash past the Algerian goalkeeper.
The Belgians next take on Russia on June 23 while the Algerians will look for their first win against South Korea on the same day.
Source: AFP, YouTube
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