Belgium defeated Russia 1-0 in a thrilling contest at the historic Estadio Maracana in the 2014 FIFA World Cup on Sunday afternoon.
Substitute Divock Origi scored the winning goal just before the end of regular time off of an assist from Eden Hazard to win the game for the Red Devils.
The Red Devils started the game much more brightly than in the opening round against Algeria, with Napoli man Dries Mertens causing the Russians trouble down the right flank.
The winger, who was used as a sub in the Algeria match, made the most of his start by winning an early corner for his squad.
As the first half moved on, Russia saw more of the ball and the game opened up considerably, with both teams having opportunities in the attacking third.
However, Mertens again tormented the Russians when he nearly scored in the 20th minute, narrowly missing the bottom right corner after a nifty run.
The Sbornaya though had a penalty claim denied in the 27th minute after Maksim Kanunnikov was caught in the penalty box by Toby Alderweireld.
Belgium defender Thomas Vermaelen, who had a nasty collision with Aleksandr Samedov earlier in the half, was subbed off with Jan Vertonghen taking his place, in a major blow for Marc Wilmots’ men.
Near the end of the first half, Russia came close again when Aleksandr Kokorin bizarrely guided his free header over the bar.
Belgian coach Marc Wilmots subbed out star striker Romelu Lukaku in the in the 57th to bring on Divock Origi in an attempt to take the lead.
The 18-year-old had an instant impact when he almost won his side a penalty after being brought down in the box but nothing was given.
As the half wore on, Russia had some decent chances but failed to convert most notably when Aleksandr Yeshchenko’s strike in the 81st minute went wide of the post.
Minutes later,the Red Devils came close to making it 1-0 when substitue Kevin Mirallas’ free-kick hit the post, much to the relief of Russia coach Fabio Capello.
One minute from time, Belgium finally got the breakthrough through Origi who latched onto Eden Hazard’s driven cross and finished past Igor Akinfeev.
Belgium will now feel confident of topping Group H, with sixpoints from their first two games; Russia on the other hand remain on one point.
