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Rio de janeiro. — Belgium substitute Divock Origi grabbed a winner two minutes from time against Russia to take his side into the last 16. Belgium won 1-0. Alexander Kokorin missed the best chance of a lifeless opening half, heading wide from six yards. Substitute Kevin Mirallas hit a post with Belgium’s first shot on target with seven minutes remaining.
But Origi turned in from Eden Hazard’s cross to take Marc Wilmots’ team into the knock-out phase.
Russia’s hopes of following them into the last 16 now hinge on their final group match against Algeria.
Fabio Capello’s side were better than in their 1-1 draw with South Korea but still lacked a cutting edge and Belgium found a way to win despite an unconvincing display.
Origi impressed when he came off the bench in the opening 2-1 victory over Algeria and, once again, the Lille forward did well when he replaced Romelu Lukaku — who appeared far from happy with the decision — early in the second half. They may have six points from two matches, but Belgium — who lost Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen to injury — will have to play far better to continue their progress.
Another player do well coming on against Algeria, Dries Mertens was given a starting place and carried all of Belgium’s threat down the right flank in the first half.
The Napoli winger had an effort blocked after a fine run and, following Kevin de Bruyne’s surge forward, he attempted to feed Romelu Lukaku rather than shooting from a good position.
Mertens drove wide of goal after another impressive break but other than that Russia were barely troubled in a slow opening half.
They went close themselves when Viktor Fayzluin’s low effort was pushed away by Thibaut Courtois, who also made a scrambling stop from Maksim Kanunikov. Kokorin should have opened the scoring just before the interval but he glanced a header wide at the far post from Denis Glushakov’s fine cross.
Glushakov thumped a wild effort off target from a narrow angle as the second half started at an even lower tempo with both sides appearing content with a draw. Andrey Eschenko dragged an effort wide after a decent Russian move, then Everton winger Mirallas was denied by the foot of a post.
Hazard drove wide after breaking into the area but the Chelsea forward made a more decisive contribution in the 88th minute, breaking down the left flank and pulling back for Origi to score. — Mailonline.
Online Reporter