Topics: FIFA World Cup, World Cup 2014, Belgium, Algeria, Dries Mertens, Edin Hazard
Reactions after the anticipated game between Belgium and Algeria, which ended with the Europeans' victory for 2-1

During Belgium’s first game in the 2014 World Cup against Algeria, an enormous upset was avoided by Dries Mertens’ goal at the 80th minute.

In fact, as the game started, it was clear that it was never going to be easy for Belgium to beat the widely underestimated Algeria. By the 25th minute, the Africans were up thanks to a goal by Feghouli from the penalty spot.

Dries Mertens lead Belgium to victory over Algeria for 2-1

It took an incredible reaction by the Europeans to turn the game around. The Belgian team retained most of the possession, 67% as opposed to Algeria’s 33%. The Belgians also had 17 shots (8 on target), while Algeria managed to only have 3 shots, the penalty being the only one on target.

Inexplicably not named on Belgium's final 23 going to Brazil, AS Roma's Radja Nainggolan supported his troops from Miami

Regardless, Belgium was down for 70 minutes, until an invention by Kevin De Bruyne found Fellaini’s head, who managed to tie the game. Just ten minutes later, Napoli’s winger, Mertens, found the second goal, giving Belgium the lead with a cracker under the top corner.

A lot more was expected from the likes of Kompany, Vertonghen, and Hazard

Interestingly, the European squad was saved by the players who are not playing in the English Premier League, despite Manchester United’s midfielder’s goal, as De Bruyne plays for Wolfsburg and Mertens for SSC Napoli. Hazard was locked down by the Algerians and Vertonghen looked quite unsettled throughout the game.

Belgium will now have to face Russia and the Korea Republic, but 1 win should be enough