Match Day 2 of World Cup 2014 ended in extremes, with Belgium barely squeaking through into the knockout stage with a 1-0 victory, while at the other end of the spectrum Algeria laid down a decisive 4-2 win over South Korea to put themselves in a commanding position to advance.
Belgium-Russia
Divock Origi's 88th minute strike sent Belgium through to the knockout round for the first time since 2002 and gave the Red Devils a 1-0 victory over Russia at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro. Belgium, considered by many to be a darkhorse contender in this competition, failed to impress for the second consecutive match, but the Belgians have managed to grab victories on each occasion. The two nations had previously played at the 2002 World Cup in the group stage, with Belgium also winning that match 3-2.
Belgium manager Marc Wilmot made a few changes to his starting lineup, as the goal-scorers from the match against Algeria (Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens) got the start in this match. Yet, with all of the firepower that Belgium's "golden generation" is capable of generating, for the second consecutive match, they failed to assert their will. Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku was once-again substituted around the hour mark for 19-year-old wunderkind Divock Origi, who made his manager look like a genius by scoring the winner in the 88th minute. Prior to that, English Premier League Young Player-Of-The-Year Eden Hazard looked lost throughout the match and was mostly a non-factor. But, in close matches like this one, it only takes a few seconds for the narrative to change, as Hazard sprinted past the nearest Russian defender then passed the ball back to Origi, who slotted it past Russian keeper Igor Akinfeev for the winner. All three of Belgium's goals in this World Cup have been scored by substitutes.
The young Belgian squad celebrates their victory. (Photo: @worldsoccershop | Twitter)
This is an unlucky result for the Russians, who more than held their own against the Group H favorites. The Russians should have gone ahead just before halftime, when forward Aleksandr Kokorin was left completely unmarked about eight yards from the goal following a cross, but Kokorin was unable to put his header on target, which was an opportunity that the Russians could not afford to let slip away. The possession statistics between the two nations were virtually identical and both sides looked their most dangerous on the counterattack. Yet for the majority of the match, neither side was able to take advantage of the opportunities their lightning counterattacks provided, and they squandered chance after chance in the final third. Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne in particular repeatedly flew up the pitch on the counterattack, only to make the wrong decision with the ball when it mattered most.
Algeria-South Korea
Algeria dominated South Korea 4-2 to put itself in a strong position to qualify for the knockout round. The Algerians were much more active and attack-oriented in this match than they were against the Belgians. Their approach paid off in the 26th minute when Islam Slimani received a great long ball, outmuscled two South Korean defenders, and poked the ball past South Korean keeper Jung Sung-Ryong.
The Algerians didn't let up and two minutes later scored again, when Sung-Ryong made a critical error in coming out for a corner kick that he could not reach, which allowed Rafik Halliche to head the ball into the open net. Sung-Ryong had been criticzed in the lead-up to the World Cup due to his decision-making and this incident will not silence those voices. After another long ball in the 38th minute to Abdelmoumene Djabou, who was completely unmarked in the middle of the penalty area, the Algerians went three ahead when Djabou sweeped the ball past Sung-Ryong.
Algeria has reason to celebrate after scoring 4 goals against South Korea (Photo: @2014WC_Brazil | Twitter)
The South Koreans didn't give up, however, as Son Heung Min struck in the 50th minute to briefly give the South Koreans hope of an incredible comeback. However, it was not meant to be as Algeria's Yacine Brahimi vanquished their dreams by scoring in the 62nd minute. The South Koreans were able to score again in the 72nd minute thanks to Koo Jacheol, but they were unable to overcome the massive deficit.
With the victory, Belgium's place in the knockout round is secure as they take on South Korea. The Russians will play Algeria. The winner of Group H plays the runner up of Group G and vice versa, so if the United States is able to advance out of its group, it will play one of these countries in the round of 16.
Both matches will be Thursday, June 26th at 4:00 p.m. EST.
Follow Mike Smith on Twitter @thefootiegent
