Day Six - Belgium v Algeria

Pre-Match Thoughts
Algeria were involved in one of the worst games of football I ever saw when, at the last World Cup, they drew 0-0 with England. In fairness, they weren't to blame and it was a good result for them but, fuck me, it was beyond words to describe the tedium. I imagine they wouldn't turn down the same result today.

Belgium haven't made it this far for 12 years, but their own "Golden Generation" have broken the hoodoo and much is expected, especially from Chelsea's Eden Hazard, one of the best in Europe when he's on his game. Plenty of their squad is based in England, including Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj and Marouane Fellani. The former only recently pledged alligance to the country of his birth (his parents are Kosovan) while the former had such a wretched club season, it seems to have cost him his previously nailed-on place in the team.

Hard to see past Belgium, unless the expectation causes a huge bottle job - I'll go 2-0.

First Half
Frankly, if I was the Belgian coach, I'd be dishing out some slaps in the dressing room. A more inept display by supposed internationals you couldn't wish to see.

Algeria played it well - sitting back and waiting, and when the chance came, they grabbed it. A good cross from the left, lazy defending and a penalty, which was put away.  The Algerian keeper hasn't had much work to do in return and a major turnaround is going to be needed to save the Europeans. Good opporunity to bring Januzaj on, I'd say.

Second Half
Rather than try the "flair" route, Belgium bring on the other United player, Fellani, and a ball up to his afro'd bonce resulting in the equaliser. Having not scored for us, it was a surprise to remember him doing so. Ten minutes later, with the Algerian lads tiring, the second Belgian goal scored and proved to be a winner. Fellani nearly scored a further goal, only to be denied by a good save. Maybe someone will buy him off us now?

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Belgian biscuit?