FIFA World Cup 2014: Algeria vs Belgium 15th Match in Pictures

Much-fancied Belgium fought back from a goal down to score twice in the final 20 minutes and earn a hard-fought 2-1 victory over gutsy Algeria in their World Cup Group ‘H’ opener here on Tuesday.

Goals from substitutes Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens turned the game around after Algeria playmaker Sofiane Feghouli had given them a 25th minute lead with a penalty at the Mineirao stadium.

Belgium, back at the World Cup after a 12-year absence, enjoyed the majority of possession but struggled to break down a disciplined two-line Algerian defence which kept Eden Hazard and forward Romelu Lukaku well in check.

Goal-scorer Mertens added: “I had my family in the stands. It was great to score for them and for the whole of Belgium.

“We got the three points and it is important to start with a victory. Now we have to go and win the second match as well.”

Belgium's forward Dries Mertens (C) scores against Algeria's goalkeeper Rais Mbohli (L) as Algeria's defender Rafik Halliche (R) looks on during a Group H football match between Belgium and Algeria at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte during the 2014 FIFA World Cup


Belgium's midfielder Marouane Fellaini celebrates after scoring a goal.

Algeria's forward Sofiane Feghouli (2nd L) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a penalty.

Algeria's forward Sofiane Feghouli (Front L) celebrates after scoring his team's first goal.

A photographer takes pictures of a Group H football match between Belgium and Algeria.

Algeria fans cheer prior to a Group H football match between Belgium and Algeria.

King Philippe - Filip of Belgium eats fries during the viewing on a big screen of the football match between Belgian national team The Red Devils and Algeria played in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

Algeria's Bosnian coach Vahid Halilhodzic is pictured during the Group H football match between Belgium and Algeria.

Algeria's forward Sofiane Feghouli celebrates after scoring a penalty.

Algeria's forward Sofiane Feghouli grimaces in pain.

Belgium fans celebrate after a Group H football match between Belgium and Algeria.

Belgium's forward Dries Mertens celebrates after scoring a goal.

Belgium's coach Marc Wilmots kicks the ball.

Belgium's defender Daniel Van Buyten (L) and Algeria's forward Islam Slimani vie for the ball.

Belgium's defender Daniel Van Buyten celebrates after a Group H football match between Belgium and Algeria.

Belgium team (Top Row L-R) Belgium's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, Belgium's midfielder Nacer Chadli, Belgium's midfielder Axel Witsel, Belgium's defender Daniel Van Buyten, Belgium's defender Vincent Kompany, Belgium's defender Jan Vertonghen. (Bottom Row L-R) Belgium's forward Romelu Lukaku, Belgium's midfielder Moussa Dembele, Belgium's defender Toby Alderweireld, Belgium's midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium's midfielder Eden Hazard are pictured before the start match.

Algerian team (Top Row L-R) Algeria's midfielder Nabil Bentaleb, Algeria's goalkeeper Rais Mbohli, Algeria's defender Carl Medjani, Algeria's defender Rafik Halliche, Algeria's defender Madjid Bougherra. (Bottom Row L-R) Algeria's forward El Arabi Soudani, Algeria's defender Aissa Mandi, Algeria's forward Sofiane Feghouli, Algeria's forward Riyad Mahrez, Algeria's midfielder Saphir Taider, Algeria's defender Faouzi Ghoulam are pictured before start match.

(AFP Photo)