World Cup. Group H. Belgium start the World Cup with a 2-1 win against Algeria

Belgium, who had been tipped for a glorious tournament, started with a difficult victory against stubborn Algeria.

Sofiane Feghouli converted a penalty for Jan Vertonghen’s foul on 25 minutes and the African team stood firm until 70 minutes. In the second half Marc Wilmots introduced Dries Mertens, Divock Origi and Marouane Fellaini to save the match and Manchester United midfielder scored just five minutes after appearing on the pitch. With ten minutes to go another substitution proved efficient and Napoli striker Mertens scored a winner.

Belgium’s next opponents, Fabio Capello’s Russia, take on South Korea later on tonight.