Game 15 Recap: Belgium 2-1 Algeria

BELGIUM 2-1 ALGERIA

A mixed performance from Belgium who nearly gave their fans a heart attack in their return to the World Cup, only to show why everyone thinks so highly of them as a team.

A very slow start for the favoured Belgians who may have let the moment get the best of them to open. They were in stark contrast to Algeria who were energetic and excited from the get-go and did not wither in the face of the superior Belgian squad. Just when it appeared Belgium were starting to get a foothold in the game, Algeria stunned everyone.

Algeria took advantage of a lack of speed for Belgium on defence as Faouzi Ghoulam blew past Toby Alderweireld and Kevin De Bruyne on the wing before crossing in to the penalty area. Beat on the other side of the pitch, Jan Vertonghen could only haul Sofiane Feghouli down from behind awarding Algeria the penalty kick. Feghouli converted smartly and gave Algeria the lead. Feghouli's goal also prevented Algeria from eclipsing Bolivia for the longest goal drought in World Cup history, by less than 15 minutes.

That would be the last good chance for Algeria to get on the scoreboard, and they were comfortable falling back in to a defensive shell that frustrated Belgium to no end. Content to pass the ball on the exterior, Belgium struggled to find ways to penetrate the Algerian mass in the centre of the field and showed their frustration by launching balls at the goal from distance to little effect.

The second half saw a more patient Belgian offensive attack that was bolstered by some fantastic play from Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens off the bench. Continually working on the Algerian defence and finding success on long balls to the box, it was Fellaini who finally got Belgium on the board. Picked out by a great cross from De Bruyne, Fellaini leaped and headed the ball over Rais M'Bolhi and under the crossbar for the tying goal.

Algeria refused to go away after and pushed higher up the field but paid the price for their aggressiveness minutes later. Sprung by a De Bruyne tackle, Eden Hazard led a 3 on 2 rush for Belgium. Hazard smartly played the ball in to the area for Mertens who settled the ball down before rocketing it in to the top corner to give Belgium the lead and a 2-1 comeback victory, the 6th in the World Cup already.

Goals

Belgium: Marouane Fellaini (70'), Dries Mertens (80')

Algeria: Sofiane Feghouli (25')

Discipline

Belgium: Jan Vertonghen (24')

Algeria: Nabil Bentaleb (33')

Man of the Match

Kevin De Bruyne was named Man of the Match for Belgium. De Bruyne was the best of the Belgian midfielders throughout the game whether in the centre or on the right and his passes created a number of chances for Belgium. He delivered the cross to assist on the first goal and it was his tackle on Feghouli that sprung the rush for the second Belgian goal. Dries Mertens also deserves credit here for his infusion of speed and creativity off the bench as well as scoring the winning goal.

Key Moment

Having dominated possession in the game with nothing to show for it, Belgium's Marouane Fellaini scored the tying goal minutes after coming on to the field. It was a gorgeous redirect with the head and deflated Algeria's defence. Belgium had more space to maneuver and it appeared inevitable from this point on that Belgium would win.

What we learned from Belgium

Can maybe chalk up the early difficulties to nerves. They dominated possession but appeared hesitant to move the ball inside where Algeria were bunched up. They weren't trying to cross from outside either though so not sure what they were looking to do offensively in first half. They showed they can turn it on in the end though. Big weakness was exploited on the Algeria goal. Both full backs are natural centre backs and both got burned by speed on the play.

What we learned from Algeria

I said they needed to be aggressive offensively when they got chances and they were. Unfortunately they paid the price for it on the second goal. Better in the defensive end than expected, part of that is the luxury of a lead for much of the game though. Were able to bunch things up and frustrate Belgium but they'll need to push forward more in future games.

Going Forward

Could have been a disaster for Belgium who looked shell-shocked after the first goal. Give them full credit for recovering though and picking up the victory. They're likely to face the same type of games from the rest of the group so they'll need more offence and interior finishing from their starters.

It wasn't a bad game for Algeria and it wasn't a game they had to win. Belgium is the most potent offence they'll face so they can afford to push up more. Breaking down Russia in particular defensively will be tricky though.