Belgium vs Algeria
Belgium came into the game as the favorite to win their group, as well as a popular pick to win the tournament. For a team as hyped as Belgium are, they were unimpressive in their opener. The Belgians couldn't breakthrough the Algerian defense. In the opening stages of the match, the best the Europeans could manage were a few long shots which never really tested the Algerian keeper. In the 25th minute Algeria struck first. Jan Vertonghen pulled down Feghouli in the box, and the ref awarded Algeria with a penalty kick (http://gfycat.com/EllipticalPiercingAmericancreamdraft). The Algerians star man not only won the penalty but he took it too. He stepped up to the spot, sent Courtois the wrong way, and rolled the ball down the middle (http://gfycat.com/CriminalOpulentBangeltiger). The Belgians started the game of slowly and were punished for it. Luckily for them there was still a lot of game left to play. To end the first half the Belgians were putting heavy pressure on the Algerian net, but they couldn't find the equalizing goal. The second half was a different story. The Belgian substitutes Dries Mertens and Fellaini came in and left their mark on this game. In the 70th minute, just 5 minutes after getting subbed onto the field, Fellaini got his head onto the end of a Kevin De Bruyne cross. His pinpoint header beat the goalie and tied the game up 1-1. After the goal Belgium just got stronger. They completely controlled the game and 10 minutes later they took the lead. A 3 on 2 breakaway and a surgical pass by Eden Hazard led to another substitute, Mertens, scoring for the Belgians. His drilled shot past the keeper sealed the comeback win for the red devils (http://gfycat.com/AlarmedAnotherHamadryad). The game didn't go according to plan for the Europeans, but they'll take the 3 points. The Belgians are in good shape to get out of the group, but Algeria will need results from the next 2 games to move on.
Brazil vs Mexico
This match quickly turned into the Guillermo Ochoa show. The Mexican keeper was absolutely incredible. His performance was the best of any goalkeeper this tournament. He single handedly won Mexico a point in this tough, tough matchup against the host country. This save is probably the pick of the bunch from an unbelievable performance (https://mediacru.sh/tn8Bs7kxdT0F). Brazil and Mexico both need at least a point from their final game to guarantee safety. Currently Brazil is ahead of Mexico by goal difference alone.
Russia vs South Korea
The Russians came into the game expecting to beat South Korea, the worst ranked team in the group, but the game proved more difficult than they anticipated. The Russians were able to limit the Korean's chances on goal, but were unable to find the back of the let themselves. In the second half the Koreans had a majority of the possession as they looked the more likely to find the opening goal. Substitute forward, K. H. Lee, got the goal they were looking for, at the expense of Igor Akinfeev. Lee's lined shot toward the Russian keeper looked harmless enough, but Akinfeev, who had looked shaky all game, suffered the worst blunder of this world cup. He let the shot hit both of his hands and bounce backwards into the net (http://gfycat.com/ConsciousMatureBlackrussianterrier). The uninspired Russians changed their game plan after going behind. After bringing on danger man, Alexandr Kerzhakov, the Russians were a much more dynamic attacking force. Just 6 minutes after the Koreans scored, Kerzhakov found the equalizer. A jumble in the box fell kindly for the Russian who cooly tucked the ball into the back of the net (http://gfycat.com/MammothFlakyGreatwhiteshark). Russia seemed more likely to grab a winner than Korea did in the dying stages of the match, but neither team were able to manufacture another goal. It's not the end of the world for either team. Tied for 2nd in the group, both teams still have a good chance to advance.
Group H Standings
Group A Standings
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