Returning to the World Cup stage after 12 years, Belgium made a stunning rally to beat Algeria 2-1 with two second half goals in a thrilling opening Group H match here on Tuesday.
Widely billed as the group favourites and dark horse to lift the trophy, Belgium had to toil hard to erase the 0-1 deficit after Algeria had taken the lead in the 25th minute against the run of play through a penalty kick conversion by Sofiane Feghouli.
Belgium, whose most of players ply trade in top European clubs, like Chelsea star Eden Hazard and Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany, turned the match on its head with two goals in the space of 10 minutes.
Manchester United's Marouane Fellaini equalised in the 70th minute through a glancing header off Kevin De Bruyne's fine cross from the left and with momentum on Belgium's side, substitute Dries Mertens made a fierce finish with a low shot for the winning goal in the 80th minute.