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World Cup | Group Stage
Jun 17, 2014 at 5pm UK
 
AN

2-1

Fellaini (70'), Mertens (80')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Feghouli (25' pen.)

Player Ratings: Belgium 2-1 Algeria

:Headline: Player Ratings: Belgium 2-1 Algeria: ID:160361: from db_amp
Sports Mole looks at which players impressed during Belgium's 2-1 win over Algeria in the World Cup this evening.

Goals from Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens have helped Belgium come from behind to record a 2-1 victory over Algeria in Belo Horizonte.

Below, Sports Mole assesses how each player performed for their respective sides in the opening game in Group H.


BELGIUM

Goal

Thibaut Courtois: Apart from the penalty, the Chelsea goalkeeper had little to do apart from pick the ball out of his own net. Dealt with all other danger efficiently. (7/10)

Defence

Toby Alderweireld: The full-back was forced to deal with Algeria's early onslaught, but after that subsided, the Atletico Madrid player found himself contributing to attacks rather than having to help out his defensive teammates. (7/10)

Vincent Kompany: The skipper looked edgy early on, but responded by ensuring that Algeria never came close to adding to their early goal. (7/10)

Daniel van Buyten: Was a surprise inclusion in place of Thomas Vermaelen, but the 36-year-old delivered a shaky performance, and he could find himself out of the team at the weekend. (6/10)

Jan Vertonghen: The Tottenham Hotspur defender is familiar with the left-back role, but he looked out of place during this match. Booked after conceding the penalty from which Algeria scored. (6/10)

Midfield

Mousa Dembele: Uneventful display from the Spurs man. Was subbed midway through the second half as Wilmots pushed Fellaini further forward. (6/10)

Alex Witsel: Came close to scoring either side of the break in what was a solid showing from the Zenit St Petersburg player. Could play a key role later in the tournament. (7/10)

Nacer Chadli: Like Van Buyten, was a surprise inclusion in the starting lineup, but apart from one scuffed effort, he was largely anonymous. (6/10)

Attack

Kevin de Bruyne: Like during his Chelsea days, big things were expected but failed to materialise. However, his one positive contribution came in the way of the assist for Fellaini's goal. (6/10)

Eden Hazard: A mixed night for the Chelsea playmaker. Endured a quiet opening period, but burst into life after the break, contributing the assist for Mertens. (7/10)

Romelu Lukaku: Nothing went the way of the powerful forward, who failed to get a look in on goal before being withdrawn shortly before the hour mark. (5/10)

Substitutes

Dries Mertens: The Napoli winger's introduction immediately gave Belgium more impetus in attack, and his goal 10 minutes from time was deserved. A likely starter versus Russia. (8/10)

Marouane Fellaini: Worthy of the man of the match award after a 25-minute cameo display. Headed Belgium in front just five minutes after replacing Dembele, and caused Algeria a whole host of problems during the final 20 minutes. (8/10)

Divork Origi: Missed a decent opportunity soon after entering the action, but remained lively. Could replace Lukaku against Russia. (7/10)


ALGERIA

Goal

Rais M'Bolhi: Like his opposite number, had little chance with the goals, but performed well to ensure that Belgium had to wait until the closing moments to get back into the game. (7/10)

Defence

Madjid Bougherra: Used his experience to negotiate the threat of Lukaku. Unfortunate to end up on the losing side. (7/10)

Carl Medjani: The former Liverpool man contributed to a determined defensive effort, while he went close at the other end with a glancing header. (7/10)

Faouzi Ghoulam: Like his teammates, played his part in a combined rearguard effort, but was ultimately outdone by two good goals. (6/10)

Rafik Halliche: Wasn't involved in much of the play, but kept it tight at the back with his fellow defenders. (6/10)

Mehdi Mostefa: Was given the daunting task of marking Hazard, but coped well before being outdone near the end. (6/10)

Midfield

Nabil Bentaleb: Didn't look out of place against Belgium's star-studded lineup, but could count himself fortunate to remain on the pitch after an elbow on Dembele. (6/10)

Sofiane Feghouli: Added a touch of class in the middle for Algeria, winning, and scoring, a penalty for his side. (7/10)

Saphir Taider: After a bright opening, the 22-year-old Inter Milan midfielder went quiet after his team took the lead. (6/10)

Riyad Mahrez: The Leicester City attacker offered plenty of pace in the final third, but was unable to get on the scoresheet when creating a chance for himself from 12 yards after dispossessing Van Buyten. (6/10)

Attack

El Arbi Hillel Soudani: Averages a goal every two matches for his country, but never got a look in against Kompany. (6/10)

Substitutes

Islam Slimani: Barely featured during his 25 minutes on the pitch as Belgium took control during the final quarter of the match. (6/10)

Medhi Lacen: Found himself operating deeper after being introduced in the wake of Fellaini's equaliser. (5/10)

Nabil Ghilas: Didn't have any time to make an impact. (5/10)


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