Belgium head coach Marc Wilmots
Belgium coach Marc Wilmots gestures during their 2014 World Cup Group H match against Russia at the Maracana stadium in Rio de JaneiroReuters

Belgium boss Marc Wilmots insists that his side deserved their narrow 1-0 victory against Russia even though he admits that the match was very tough.

Although a goalless draw between these Group H sides looked imminent, Divock Origi came off the bench and ensured Belgium's place in the final sixteen of the 2014 World Cup by grabbing the winner in the 88th minute.

And Wilmots, who felt his side deserved the victory, showered the 19-year-old forward, who became the youngest player to score in the World Cup since Lionel Messi in 2006, with praise.

"It was not an easy match but I think we deserved to win it ," said Wilmots. He (Origi) is in a good space right now, he's 19 years old. It was a bit of a surprise since he was an unknown before I selected him. Now everyone knows who he is."

The 45-year-old Belgian also reserved some special praise for his other players, saying that the goal was an effort by the whole team.

"It was an important goal but I thought we created it as a team. I thought we showed today that we are mentally strong. I hung back and then he passed it to me. People will say it wasn't easy to convert but the work he did shows he is a great player."

Meanwhile Hazard says that he and the rest of his teammates are very happy with the results despite admitting that Belgium were not on the top of their game.

"It was a difficult match but we are very happy with the result and the victory today means we have already qualified and still have one match to go in the group," said Hazard, who added that Belgium will be aiming "for three wins" in their final group fixture against South Korea.

The Chelsea midfielder feels that Belgium started playing well towards the end of the match, when the Russian players started showing signs of fatigue.

"We didn't play a very good match but the last 10 minutes were better and maybe the Russian defence got tired and we got more space for the substitutes, who were fresh, to exploit. I felt fit though - I'm in good shape and as I often make the difference towards the end of the match it shows I am still fresh."