Belgium beat Russia to secure World Cup last 16

Teenager Origi sees Belgium into World Cup 2nd round place

June 22, 2014 11:51 pm | Updated November 16, 2021 06:54 pm IST - RIO DE JANEIRO

Belgium's forward Divock Origi (Left) runs past Russia's defender Sergey Ignashevich during the Group H football match between Belgium and Russia at The Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Photo: AFP

Belgium's forward Divock Origi (Left) runs past Russia's defender Sergey Ignashevich during the Group H football match between Belgium and Russia at The Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Photo: AFP

Teenaged substitute Divock Origi scored a last gasp goal that gave Belgium a 1-0 victory over Russia on Sunday and secured them a place in the World Cup last 16.

The 19-year-old broke the deadlock with an 88th minute shot set up by Eden Hazard after a frustrating game in the heat of Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium.

Belgium now have six points from two games and are well placed to take top spot in Group H. The size of the qualification mountain facing Fabio Capello's Russia now depends on the result of the South Korea-Algeria match later Sunday.

The two sides set off at a furious pace that could not be maintained in the Maracana stadium.

Viktor Faizulin shot from the edge of the penalty area forcing a save from Thibaut Courtois in the Belgian goal.

Belgium's Napoli striker Dries Martens shot narrowly wide after beating two players. Moments later he broke free again but pushed the ball across the face of the Russian goal.

The game did not improve in the second half although the tension did mount as striker Romelu Lukaku directed some angry words at Belgian coach Marc Wilmots when he was replaced by Origi. Lukaku was substituted for the second straight game after another disappointing performance.

But Origi, who plays for Lille in France, proved his worth with the goal as Belgium piled on the pressure in the late stages, with fellow substitute Kevin Mirallas hitting the post with a free kick seconds earlier.

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