Substitutes score 2nd-half goals as Belgium beats Algeria 2-1 in World Cup Group H opener
BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil – Belgium opened its World Cup Group H campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Algeria on Tuesday, relying on second-half goals from two substitutes.
Marouane Fellaini’s strong glancing header in the 70th minute with his back to goal came from a Kevin De Bruyne cross. Fellaini had only come onto the pitch five minutes earlier and was coach Marc Wilmots’ final substitution.
Ten minutes later, Dries Mertens’ shot beat Algeria’s goalkeeper from close range after Eden Hazard set him up for the decider. Mertens came on at the start of the second half.
Algeria attacking midfielder Sofiane Feghouli converted a penalty to give his country a surprise lead in the 25th.
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