Belgium 1 (Divock Origi 88 Minutes) Russia 0

Belgium having the honor of being witnessed by its Royal family disposed of a spirited Russian in the second match of the group H and assured its berth to the knock out stage at Maracana Stadium, Rio De Jenerio.

The entire match witnessed very few and far between potential moves from the either side and had to wait till 88 th minutes to break the deadlock. Russians looked more positive in the attack. Though not spectacular Russians were a bit more inventive and appeared more organized of the two. They had more share of the exchanges but lacked the final punch. But at the end the goal which mattered went the Belgian way.

With 6 points from two matches Belgium qualified for the second round. Russia may have to bid good bye and build on from what they achieved for their home assignment in World Cup 2018.

Belgium came to Brazil with great reputations having several good quality players playing with great reputation and skill in different countries of Europe. This Belgium team is the product of massive development of the grass root football over the last several years .On the other hand Russia remained unbeaten over the 11 internationals leading to the match. Being the host of the next World cup 2018 Russia had a point to prove in this world cup .Belgium came across a highly determined African side Algeria in the first match whom they defeated by 2-1 in a very tight match. Russia playing defensively against fast moving South Koreans could only earn 1-1 draw. Russian Goal keeper made a costly lapse which led to the match being drawn. The match was equally important for both the teams to confirm a berth to the second round. At the end Belgian with 6 points from two matches looks more assured of advancing while the task of the Russians challenge appear to have ended with 1 point in 2 matches and strong Algeria to play.

The match played at Iconic Maracana Stadium rebuilt for the requirements of 21 st century started with brisk pace of attacks and counter attacks. Belgium was looking for a sharper tempo than they had in the last match against Algeria. Russia also did not sit deep like the previous match against South Korea. Capello brought some important changes in the side from previous match and wanted to rely initially on younger forwards to move into swift counter attacks.

Belgium keeper had to make the first mentionable save from a scorching Russain low drive as in 12 th minute of the first half. Mertens running deep from the left flank kept feeding Lukaku and De Bruyne with several passes to keep Russain defence engaged. On the other hand young Russian forward responded every Belgian attack with equally potent counter attacks. Athelico Madrid Goal Keeper Curtios made another good save for the Belgium in the 30 th minute.

Kokorin got a telling high ball deep into Belgian penalty area in the 43 rd minute of the first half which he headed wide. The first real open chance of the first half. Both sides remained happy playing safe well within themselves and playing waiting game. Apart from the wasted Kokorin header there were hardly any goal potential good moves. The dead lock of the match was not broken.Russains looked better organized and moved fast in counter attacks.

Belgiums also looked dangerous switching the attack from side to side against very experienced Russian defence. The first half ended pretty even with Russia getting better chances. Better mobility of Russians mid field kept Belgians alert for not being too adventurous in the first half.

Second half also followed the same pattern with Russians looking more potent in the attack pouring more men in the attack. Russians built attacks well but faltered in delivering the final ball to the advancing forwards. Belgian attacks found the solid and disciplined Russain deep defence very difficult to crack open. Off Color Lukaku was replaced for bringing more innovation in the attack. A Belgian free kick 7 minutes from the time struck the post with Russian Goal keeper well beaten. Belgians pressed the Russians hard with some quick smart moves at the dying moments of the match. From such a well-coordinated attack Belgium scored with 19 years old Divock Origi coolly putting the ball past Russain Keeper from a final pass of Eden Hazard 1-0.

Belgium did not play all that well but managed to stave off strong Russian Challenge. This match had another diabolic refereeing decision with Russians being deprived of a clear penalty.

Russians had reasons to feel hard done after looking as better side of the two other than conceding the all-important goal at the dying minute of the game .For the second match in succession a player coming from the bench delivered for the Belgians. The coach replaced Belgian star striker Lukaku with teenager Origi who delivered. Belgians may not go deep in the tournament but what mattered they qualified for next round. Russain journey on the other hand is all but over.

Belgium: Thibaut Courtios. Toby Alderweireld, Thomas Vermaelen, Vincent Kompany (c), Jan Vertonghen,, Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne, Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku (Divock Origi), Eden Hazard,  Dries Mertens,.

Russia: Igor Akinfeev, Aleksei Kozlov, Sergie Ignashhevich, Andrei Semyonov, Maksim Kanunnikov, Denis Glushakov, Alexsander Kokorin, Vasili Berezutski (c), Oleg Shatov, Aleksandr Samedov, Dmitri Kombarov.

BDST: 0750 HRS, JUNE 23, 2014