Belgium came from behind to record a 2-1 victory against Algeria in their opening Group H game of the 2014 World Cup at the Estádio Mineirão in Belo Horizonte.
Sofiane Feghouli's first half lead for Algeria was cancelled by substitute Marouane Fellaini before Dries Mertens also came off the bench to net the winner for Belgium with ten minutes remaining on the clock.
Although Belgium were expected to easily win this match, owing to the talent and depth of their squad, they were made to work very hard by Algeria, who refused to give away easy chances.
The North African side got the first chance of the game in the 17th minute through Riyad Mahrez but the midfielder only managed to slice his effort wide of the target.
Moments later, at the other end, Axel Witsel unleashed an effort from 20 yards but his shot was kept out by goalkeeper Rais M'Bolhi.
Despite dominating possession, the Belgians failed to create clear cut chances and they were soon punished as Algeria broke the deadlock through a penalty.
Sofiane Feghouli was brought down by defender Jan Vertonghen inside the box and the referee showed no hesitation as he gave a penalty. Feghouli stepped up and eased the ball past Thibaut Courtois.
The penalty seemed to motivate Belgium as they became more threatening towards the end of the first half. Eden Hazard got a very good chance to level the scores with only minutes remaining in the first half, but his meek effort was easily saved by M'Bolhi.
The Belgians started attacking right from the start of the second half as Witsel got a very good chance to level the scores. Hazard swung in an excellent corner but Witsel could not keep his header down as the ball sailed over the crossbar.
The introduction of Marouane Fellaini in the 65th minute proved to be the turning point for Belgium as he finally grabbed the equaliser within five minutes of his arrival.
Kevin De Bruyne whipped a long ball into the box and Fellaini rose above his mark to nod the ball past M'Bolhi.
With only ten minutes remaining on the clock, another substitute Dries Mertens netted the winner for Belgium. Hazard, after breaking away from the Algerian defence, squared the ball to Mertens, who made no mistakes as he found the nets with a calm and composed finish.
Check out the highlights of the match below:
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