Marc Wilmots trusted the duo that brought victory over Algeria, Mertens and Fellaini, for the game against Russia, with Vermaelen replacing Jan Vertonghen for the starting 11.
The first half was not productive from either side with Mertens being the only serious threat for the Russian defenders and Kokorin creating the best chance with a header for Capello’s team, minutes before the whistle blew for the first 45′ minutes.
Marc Wilmots once again made crucial changes (Origi – Mirallas in, Mertens – Lukaku out) and Everton’s winger warning shot hit the goal post ten minutes before the final whistle. Origi scored the only goal of the game after a brilliant assist from Hazard and sent the Red Devils on to the next stage, to the round of the 16.
Axel Witsel played the whole game against familiar faces from Zenit (Shatov, Faysulin and Kerzhakov) and now has one more game with Belgium against Korea Republic on 26th of June in Sao Paulo, which will determine their place in Group H.
