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Belgium one of the dark horses in this World Cup got their campaign off to a winning start as they beat Algeria 2-1 in Group H. It was a hard fought victory for the Red Devils against a well organized and defensive Algerian team. Sofiane Feghouli put Algeria ahead from the penalty spot after he was fouled by Jan Vertonghen inside the penalty box. In spite of having close to 65% possession the Red Devils found it hard to break down a dogged Algerian team and had to rely on two second half substitutes to give them a victory. Marouane Fellaini scored the equalizer with a headed goal on the 70th minute. Dries Mertens then scored the winner on the 80th minute following a quick counter attack which started from Belgium’s own half.
Here are the player ratings from the match:
Belgium
Thibaut Courtois: 6/10
He had a very quiet afternoon in front of the goal and didn’t have much to deal with as Algeria never threatened the Belgium goal. He couldn’t do much with the penalty as he was sent the other way by Feghouli.
Toby Alderweirled: 6/10
The central defender did a decent job at right back as he got forward and supported the attack whenever he could. However, he was at fault during the lead up to the penalty as he failed to cut out Mahrez’s delivery from the right wing.
Vincent Kompany: 7/10
The captain was defensively solid and was able to keep the both the Algerian lone strikers quiet throughout the match. He was not really called into action throughout as Algeria sat back and tried to defend the lead.
Daniel Van Buyten: 6.5/10
He looked reasonable alongside Kompany in the centre defense as they were never really troubled by Algeria. He had one awkward moment in the first half allowing Mahrez to get a shot at goal but he might struggle against better opponents.
Jan Vertonghen: 4/10Clearly uncomfortable in the left back position, Vertonghen struggled both in defense as well as going forward. He looked completely off pace and was responsible for the silly challenge on Feghouli after being caught on the wrong side of the attacker.
Axel Witsel: 8/10
He was one of the positives for the Red Devils in this match as he was able to control the midfield. Not as dominant as he is known to be, he still was able to get the job done by stitching the short as well as long passes and connecting the defense to the attack. He also made some intelligent and darting runs past the Algerian midfield and saw two ferocious shots saved in the first half.
Moussa Dembele: 5/10
He tried to control the midfield by getting on the ball and affecting the game. However, he really struggled to create any kind of impact and he also could not use his power to any effect. He needs to move the ball quicker against better teams. He was replaced by Fellaini which proved to be a game changing substitution by Mark Wilmots
Kevin De Bruyne: 7.5/10
Much like the rest of the team, Kevin De Bruyne struggled against the defensive wall of Algeria in the first half. He failed to influence the game even after the break. However, he had 2 telling contributions in the game, a direct cross that led to Fellaini’s opener and a defensive challenge in his own half which started the counter attack for the second goal.
Nacer Chadli: 4/10
It was a shocker of a game for Chadli as he was completely anonymous in the attacking midfield role. He never looked like threatening the Algerian defense and he also had trouble receiving the ball. With nothing to contribute and struggling during the first half, he was replaced by Dries Mertens during halftime.
Eden Hazard: 6.5/10
One of the best players in the Premier League, Hazard struggled and was completely a shadow of himself for the first 60 minutes. He couldn’t penetrate the Algerian defense nor could he create any chances for his team mates in the first half. The introduction of Mertens and Fellaini opened up pockets of spaces which he exploited during the latter stages of the match.
Romelu Lukaku: 4/10 – Flop of the Match
He was completely ineffective and struggled throughout the time he was on pitch. He got absolutely no support from the midfield which he thrives on to succeed and nor could he use his size and strength against the diligent Bougherra. The fact that he dropped back to collect passes spoke volumes of his frustration. He was substituted early in the second half by Origi.
Substitutes:
Dries Mertens: 8.5/10 – Man of the Match
Brought on for Chadli, Mertens started slowly providing more purpose and dynamism to Belgium’s attack. His change of pace, intelligent runs, smart passing and dribbling provided a new dimension to Belgium to break the through Algeria’s defence. He capped off a wonderful performance with an unstoppable shot that ensured Belgian victory.
Divak Origi: 7/10
Origi was lightning quick and he used his strength to trouble the Algerian defenders which Lukaku couldn’t. He had a great one-on-one chance that was brilliantly stopped by the goalkeeper.
Marouane Fellaini: 8/10
Replacing Dembele, Fellaini took up a position much higher up the pitch, a position which he thrives and excels at. His energy and aggressive play spurred Belgium on and he scored the all important equalizer with a brilliant header.
Algeria
Mbolhi Rais: 7/10
He was the busier of the two goalkeepers as he was continuously called into action due to Algeria’s approach to defend deep. He made some crucial saves and also held strong from Belgium’s set pieces. However, he couldn’t do much about the 2 goals that were scored by Belgium.
Mehdi Mostefa: 6/10
He was an important part of the hard working Algerian defense, making crucial interceptions during the first half. He was let down by poor passing and decision making. After a composed first half performance he was stretched by the Belgium substitutes.
Madjid Bougherra: 7/10
The most solid of the Algerian defenders, Bougherra marshaled his backline impressively till Belgium’s equalizer. he read the game well and was good coming out of defense. He defended and handled Lukaku fabulously but was caught out frequently against the pace of Origi.
Rafik Halliche: 6.5/10
He was the busiest of all defenders making the maximum number of clearances. He was composed and looked extremely comfortable alongside Bougherra. However, he was beaten in the air for Fellaini’s equalizer.
Faouzi Ghoulam: 7/10
He did a very good job at left back and was hugely responsible in keeping Chadli quiet throughout the first half. He was also comfortable going forward and made some intelligent runs whenever he had a chance. It was his delightful cross in the early counter attack which led to the penalty being awarded.
Carl Medjani: 6.5/10
He performed well in the defensive midfield role, protecting his back four especially when Algeria took the lead. Combined well with Bentaleb denying Belgium any pockets of space in front of the back four, could have scored with a glancing header early in the first half.
Nabil Bentaleb: 6.5/10
He played well in the midfield and looked after the ball well whenever he had the opportunity. He looked solid defensively and helped out Medjani when Belgium had possession. However, he was overrun in the second half by the Belgian substitutes.
Saphir Taider: 5.5/10
He did the dirty work of protecting his defense well but he could not offer much while going forward.
Sofiane Feghouli: 7.5/10
He was the most threatening player for Algeria whenever they looked like going on a counter attack. His pace, technique and presence of mind won Algeria the penalty which he duly converted.
Riyad Mahrez: 6/10
He had a decent chance to test Courtois in the first half but he shot wildly over the goal. He faded away as the game went on even though had some decent touches in the first half.
El Arabi Soudani: 5/10
Had no service what so ever from the Algerian midfield. Waged a lonely battle by running around the field trying to win the ball but was kept silent by the Belgian center backs.
Substitutes:
Islam Slimani: 5/10
He continued as a lone striker but he also could not do anything once Belgium took the lead.
Lacen: 5/10
Could not make much of an impact after coming on in the second half.
Nabil Ghilas: 5/10
The Porto forward like the other substitutes could not make any real impact as Belgium controlled the game after their second goal.
