Belgium v Russia Match of the Day Live

GARY LINEKER: Good afternoon. We are almost halfway through the

tournament in terms of games. We are back in the Maracana for Belgium

versus Russia, two sides who enjoyed mixed fortunes in their opening

games of this World Cup. COMMENTARY: Belgium, in a first

major tournament for 12 years - hard to believe. The penalty is going to

be given. Fellaini! He's got it! This could

win it. Mertens. 2-1 for Belgium. It's a goal. Akinfeev has thrown it

into the back of the net. The deflection might favour them - it

has. It is 1-1. GARY LINEKER: Many a good judge

thought Belgium would do quite well at this World Cup. They are a team

that includes plenty of familiar faces from the Premier League. Eden

Hazard, very recognisable hair-do. And, of course, their captain,

Manchester City's captain, Vincent Kompany, amongst others. There is a

familiar face in charge of Russia, too. Fabio Capello is their head

coach. Remember him? He will be hoping to progress further than he

did four years ago with England. This is how the Group H table looks:

Here with us today, we have Thierry Henry, Alan Shearer and Clarence

Seedorf. Belgium have high-quality players in their squad? Most of the

players play in the Premier League. When you have the likes of Hazard,

Fellaini and Kompany at the back. As we saw the other day, they had a

difficult game against Nigeria. With the quality that they have, they

came out with a win. It wasn't going that well for them. They bounced

back and showed some character to win that game? The coach played a

huge part and realised that the system and the players that he put

out there to begin with, it wasn't working for them. Early in the

second half, he made the changes that he had to make and when you do

that, you are looking for a substitute to change the game in a

positive way. All three of his substitutes did that. Russia, as a

football nation - it used to be the Soviet Union - not got a great

history in World Cups, Clarence? Well, if you look at what happened

with all the talent that went all over the place between Ukraine,

Yugoslavia and et cetera, so they lost a lot of potential and they are

rebuilding. They have talented players. I like the last 20 or 30

minutes in the second half. They have played better. A lack of pace

about them, though, possibly? Yes, but they can adapt with the way they

play. They have a style like Mexico, you know. They will make you run.

They pass the ball through the lines. I like them. I like them.

Alan made a great point. Dries Mertens is a very good player. When

he came on the other day, I saw him play with Napoli, he is a very good

player. I'm looking forward to seeing him today. OK. Let's have a

look at the scene at the Maracana. There's plenty of Belgian support,

as you might expect. A number of Red Devils. A sort of Fellaini wig and

somewhere outside the ground is Mark Chapman. No, that's not him!

Here we are outside the Maracana. This is our third game at this

stadium. Few things are different. There are a lot more police and

police dogs around after the security problems ahead of the

Chile-Spain game when the Chilean fans stormed the media centre. The

other difference is that the atmosphere is not quite as great.

Despite him! The Argentine and the Chilean fans are much more

passionate and they were here four hours before kick-off. The fans are

numerous here. There is plenty of anticipation and once we get in the

ground, we will get the same atmosphere.

GARY LINEKER: More on tonight's game in a moment. Let's hear from

England's vice-captain, Frank Lampard.

You have been through many regimes, many exits from major tournaments.

How did the feelings compare at the Uruguay match to others? They are

all as bad as each other! It is hard to describe it in words. They are

all bad. Getting knocked out of a World Cup is horrible. There is a

popular bandwagon to jump on - give players a chance outside the top

four. Does that benefit you when you get to major tournaments? Champions

League football now, in my time, even in football, Champions League

has gone to a different level. When we played Bayern Munich in the final

at Chelsea, we couldn't have got a harder game plan against Brazil,

Argentina, or any of them teams. The general consensus would have been

that that is the squad. You can't say it was a crazy squad that got

picked. That is the thing. How do those English players get that

experience? They get here. Even the ones who didn't play will be

stronger for it the next time. Hopefully, we go to France with a

stronger set-up. Roy is the right man for the job. He has taken this

squad on from when he picked it up at the last Euros, the young

players. Everyone knows how he wants to play and there is the stability

thing. We can look here for answers and say get rid of the manager, get

rid of the old players, we have to take perspective. I do think Roy is

the man to do that. GARY LINEKER: We will be hearing the

thoughts of Steven Gerrard and Roy Hodgson at half-time. Back to

Belgium versus Russia. They met in 1986 in the first knockout stage

when Russia were part of the Soviet Union. The match was a classic.

COMMENTARY: Belgium kick-off in the all red strip attacking the goal to

the right. Belanov! He's hit the foot of the post. Here's a chance.

They must score. Chipped up to the far post. Is this number two? It is.

He's hit the bar. 2-2! That's the final whistle. It is 2-2 and it

isn't over yet. Chipped into the middle and it's in! It's four! It's

a penalty. Belanov's hat-trick. That was the last touch of the match and

the Belgians celebrate. One of the greatest victories in the history of

the World Cup. Great to hear the voice there of

Tony Gubba. That game was interesting. I need to get this off

my chest! That game cost me being European Footballer of the Year,

getting the Golden Boot. He scored a hat-trick, he was a one-game wonder

and the whole of the Eastern Bloc got together and voted for him. I'm

not bitter. Not at all(!) He never did anything else. I feel your pain.

I went through it with Nedved. I feel sorry for you two(!) Belgium

went all the way to the semifinals and then they came against Maradona.

Remember those goals? I remember those goals. I was in the west

Indies at that time watching it. He had no right to finish like the way

he did. It's Maradona. He won that World Cup in '86, for me. Anything

you want to blame him for? Funnily enough, it was THIS day in 1986, it

was the hand of God! It was this very day, 28 years ago. Crikey. I'm

seeing him tonight. He's invited me on his chatshow. You had to get that

in! That will be quite an experience. The Belgians had a

useful team four years later in Italy losing to England in the last

16. That was Platt. They failed to qualify for the last two World Cups.

Is this their time? Dan Walker investigates.

It ended with a goal. This goal. COMMENTARY: It's David Platt.

Elation for England. The Belgians bashful, out of the 1990 World Cup,

a golden generation gone. 24 years later, optimism has returned to the

lowlands, so much expectation placed on such young shoulders. Belgium

thinks we are going to be World Champions. We are favourite in our

group. It is a different pressure to deal with. We haven't been in a

position like this before. We have always been the golden underdogs.

The golden generation - a familiar phrase, a tainted phrase. But in

Belgium, this generation has been moulded, crafted and planned.

That night in Bologna, one man was paying attention. He created a

Belgian blueprint. He showed youngsters who were not getting

enough ball time, they were not skilful enough, the national team

were too negative. A plan was implemented in 2006, all national

teams were to play 4 -- 4- 3-3. Perhaps the gratest football rev

liegs -- greatest football revolution was avoiding a brain

drain. Most of the squad resisted temptation to move abroad too early.

A band of brothers was formed. The golden generation is here. The

Belgium plan is to keep evolving. Belgium keeps producing young

players that are really good. That is to do with the belief that we can

do it. In my mindset, I want to win it. Until it's proven otherwise, I

don't believe any team is stronger than my team.

The atmosphere is building inside the Maracana and one man who has

pitted his wits against many of the current Belgium squad is Philip

Neville. He is with Mark Chapman. Yes, you have pitted your wits

against several of them. You have played with and coached one of them

in particular, and Marouane Fellaini made a huge difference for Belgium

in their first game against Algeria? He did. He was devastated before the

game when he wasn't starting. He came on and made a massive impress.

Belgium went more direct, when they brought Mertens on and that suited

them. Is that his best position, for you, further forward, not a

defensive midfielder, maybe off the frontman but given licence to roam?

I think frontman but given licence to roam?

forward, because of the sheer size of him, he causes problems for

defenderses. -- defenders. Both sides use their substitutions well

in their opening games and you are looking at the impact of

substitutions in this World Cup? Russia in the first game, they were

down-and-out and they brought Kerzhakov off and he scored with his

first touch. Belgium used it in the first game and we will see more

today. Both substitutes getting the goals against Algeria. You were in

the studio and Fabio Capello's side - you are smiling - but they didn't

impress you? probably one of the poorest sides

I've seen in the tournament so farren that first game showing. You

see a totally different Russian side today, they'll probably be a bit

more adventurous, well I hope they are. Fabio Capello, in four years'

time, the World Cup is in Russia and he needs to prepare for that. Russia

will be more adventurous today, you heard it here, guys!

Here is how Belgium line up: Courtois will return to Chelsea for

the new season after three years on loan at Atletico Madrid. Kompany has

overcome a groin strain to keep his place.

Fellaini's goal-scoring introduction against Algeria earned him a spot.

And Mertens is recalled on the right.

Hazard will roam from the left in support of Lukaku.

And Lukaku is an interesting young talent, Alan. Divides heroin

actually within the game, doesn't he? He's 21 years of age, we mustn't

forget. That is why he was sent off on loan last year. I watched him

quite a lot last year and he's got all the attributes to be, I think, a

top-class forward, if he keeps improving and learning, which Robert

toe Martinez says he has a great attitude -- Roberto. He's very good

at coming off the right hand side, coming on the left foot. He's big,

strong, quick. He's powerful. But there are one or two things that he

still has to learn. This is the previous game against Algeria and he

never had one touch inside the 18-yard box which his record goals

wise he only has six goals in 30 games. This is what he has to

improve on I think, with his back to goal. He should be laying that ball

off there to Hazard. It's going to take him time. It's going to take

time to get used to it. His first touch is poor there.

No-one really around him there. And this is the one here, his body shape

is all wrong when he takes this ball, with his back to the defender,

when he should be taking it on the half turn. The first touch on the

half turn so he can start running at the back four there. But that he

will learn. He got substituted after about an hour and he didn't do this.

Origi came on, another youngster, he wasn't direct or powerful. I'm

pretty sure he can do that, the coach believes in him, he's kept him

in the team today, I would love to see him go out and have a good game

today. Seen a lot of good stuff from Lukaku in Everton? He's a great

talent. People were wondering whether they should have kept him at

Chelsea, but for me it was a great thing that he went to Everton. Yes.

He wouldn't have played that amount of games at Everton that he would

have done at Chelsea. We saw what he could do. There is pressure because

he may not have started has Benteke been fit so a lot of responsibility

on him for a young guy. Hazard excites us all, as a player, doesn't

he, Clarence? Absolutely. The whole team is individually on a high level

if you look at all the players are playing at the moment and the way

they are performing, especially the second half. It's really, really

good to see. Enough about Belgium for now. A guide to the Russians

now, by Patrick Geary. We all remember Fabio Capello as

England boss at the last World Cup. Lampard! It's in! It was in. No?

That surely crossed the line. Now he leads Russia. His task will be to

get the side out of the group stage, something they failed to do in 1994

and 2002 and have never done since leaving USSR.

The Soviet Union had a better record, reaching the semi-finals in

1966, losing out to West Germany at Goodison Park. Russia's manager has

World Cup credentials as a player. Capello scored in the 1974

tournaments for Italy. He'll need the new charges to start finding the

back of the net. Three strikers he's brought with him.

Kerzhakov will be a key man. No-one else in the squad ever played in the

finals before this tournament. Capello's picked the following team:

Akinfeev remains in goal despite what he called a childish mistake

for South Korea's goal. Ignashevich gets his 100th cap.

Midfield is unchanged. Glushakov will shield defence. The play maker

will be Shatov. Great surname! Kanunnikov comes in preference.

Clarence, the keeper made a howler in the first game, but I remember

four years ago Capello left out Green after he did a similar thing

but he's stuck by Akinfeev? Yes. Capello, the first thing he looks at

when he's building the team is a keeper. When he came to Real Madrid,

he said he wanted a keeper he could trust. It happens, you know. Can he

trust this fella now though, that's the question? I reckon he has

personality enough to come back and perform the way he can. When

mistakes are made in midfield and upfront, he needs to be able to

afford that. When you have a game like that, Thierry though, the next

game for a keeper is huge, isn't it? I mean, it is. It's difficult. It

still can be 0-0, or if someone misses a pass or whatever, as soon

as they do a mistake, it's a goal. You have to take that into

consideration. It's not an easy task for them. It's one time. Give him

another chance. If I was the coach, I would be saying any chance at all,

you get that shot in on target as early as possible. What we've done

as players too! Correct. Kerzhakov is on the bench. Off the bench to

score the equaliser in the first game. It shows why they lack goals a

little bit. He's their top scorer of all-time or equal now, with 26 goals

in 82 games, it's a low record comparing with others? When you look

at other records that other players have got, he had 26. It's not a

great return. He obviously has an eye for goal though, right place

right time, and teams need them. We saw that with Germany and Klose. You

have got to be there and stick it in. It's a great knack to have.

The crowd are gathering now. Clarence, I suppose we'd fancy

Belgium largely to come out on top in this game? We were just speaking

about Mertens. He's such a wonderful player. Sometimes when he started,

he didn't perform that well. Every time he came in, he changed the

game, every time. Impact player. Don't forget that if they don't

concede, they would have gone on to win the game for me. That changed

the whole game. So we'll see what happens today.

Just before we hand over, an alternative commentary is available

on the red button. Hacker the Dog is talking us through the game, of all

things! We have our very own hackers, Martin Keown and Jonathan

Pearce, you will hear from them after the anthems.

Courtois Mignolet. Casteels Alderweireld. Ciman bomb bomb

Kompany van Buyten Kompany. Van Buyten. Vanden Borre Vertonghen

Gloucestershire Dembele Dembele. Defour. De Bruyne. Fellaini Hazard

Courtois Mignolet. Casteels Alderweireld. Ciman bomb bomb

# Rossiya, svyashchennaya nasha derzhava

# Rossiya, lyubimaya nasha strana Moguchaya volya, velikaya slava

# Slav'sya, Otechestvo nashe svobodnoye

# Bratskih narodov soyuz vekovoi Predkami dannaya mudrost' narodnaya

# Strana My gordimsya toboi Ot yuzhnyh morei do polyarnogo

# Raskinulis' nashi lesa i polya Odna ty na svete Odna ty takaya

nah. Good afternoon, everybody. Both of these sides had to rely on

substitutions in the last games. Russia were ordinary against South

Korea. Belgium's young whizz kid guards against Russia's ageing

veteran defenders is very much the story of today. A win for Belgium

and they'll be through to the second phase. Kompany has won the fitness

battle with a groin strain. Vertonghen on one yellow is not

risked. Fellaini who took five minutes to score here as a sub after

1431 minutes without a Manchester United goal. Mertens the other

scoring sub against Algeria, they both start.

Hazard plays despite a bruised toe. Lukaku gets another chance, despite

failing to get a single touch in the opposition penalty area the other

evening. He'll lead the line that's very much the core of that midfield

with Fellaini heading forward to support the strikers.

The referee is very experienced. Kompany's fitness is absolutely

crucial for Belgium. Kept six clean sheets in Ken qualifiers. He was the

rock at back for them. -- ten qualifiers.

Differing from his unsympathetic treatment four years ago. Capello

keeps faith with the keeper despite the appalling mistake in South

Korea's goal. Moscow's Kozlov replacesishish. Ishchenko. I think

Shatov will be more to the right hand side. We'll wait and see.

Sometimes the official line-ups given out by FIFA are not quite

correct. Here is Marc Wilmots who scored the winner when these

countries met in the finals in 2002, a terrific game in the Far East.

Fabio Capello building a slide for the 2018 finals in Russia. He has a

contact through to those finals. We have the sun out in the Maracana,

the largest stadium in South America. Holds 200,000, as it did in

the 1950 deciding game. I can't see too many empty seats.

Origi is a bit of a flyer. Will Russia bring on Kerzhakov to get

what would be a record-breaking goal for his country? He came on the

other day. The keeper said the schoolboy error

would not be repeated. The referee checking with the match

delegate before we can get off and under way. Great aeriel shot of this

famous old restored stadium. theatre. A dream come true for so

many of the supporters here seeing World Cup matches in the great

MacAskill. -- in the great Maracana. Here's Van Buyten of Bayern Munich.

MARTIN KEOWN: Looking forward to see how the Russian goalkeeper fares

today, Akinfeev, and see how his confidence will be in this match.

Russia are unbeaten in 11 games going back to the defeat against

Northern Ireland last August. Van Buyten, the only Belgium player

with World Cup experience. Mertens made a real difference to the side

when he came on. He forces the first corner of the afternoon.

Straightaway, it is the Belgiums down that right-hand side, Mertens

looks really tricky. Kompany moving forward from the

back. Watch for the run of number 8 Marouane Fellaini. It goes to the

near post and Fellaini had made a run, but it was dropped in in front

of him. This is a potential Russian breakaway, four on two. Where have

the Belgium defenders gone? They haven't got back from the corner.

Now, the referee stops it. Russia have a problem. It's Samedov who is

down. Just a clash of heads with Vermaelen. Samedov will feel that.

They really left themselves exposed there from that set-piece. If you

look at the height advantage, every player is over 6ft. On the break,

they look susceptible. Favourite of the coach, Aleksander Samedov. He's

really bought into Capello's meticulous attention to detail. He's

closeted his players away. It's in an isolated area. I wonder if the

players will complain of boredom. The England players said it did four

years ago. If ever a team reflected their manager, boring in the first

match, but resolute. They will give everything in this match. The flair

will come from Belgium. Samedov came off the worst from that clash with

Vermaelen. Speculation he will be leaving Arsenal and going to Napoli.

Dries Mertens is on the left today - on the right I should say for

Belgium. He plays for Napoli and the rumour is he is trying to get him

over to Italian football but Arsene Wenger has repeated he is going

nowhere. Kevin De Bruyne sometimes sparkles

for Wolfsburg, but he can sometimes disappear out of games. He is some

talent, though, as Chelsea fans will know.

This is dangerous. Mertens in behind. Again, Lukaku back in the

middle beyond him. Hazard. Going through a bit of pain with a toe

injury. Back it goes to Witsel. I said to a Belgium reporter,

describe Witsel to me, he said, "He is like a Mini Me of Fellaini." He

is. That was a good touch. Fellaini is a totally different player

playing for Belgium. He is much more effective.

Disappointing season and he's got a lot to prove here. Belgium will have

the least number of miles to travel in the group stages of any country

here. Hazard is looking for Fellaini. Glushakov away. Back to

Kanunnikov. Tried to get back, Hazard with the dummy.

Faizulin tried to keep it in. It's a Belgium throw. Witsel there - that

is what he is good at. Lends himself across, in front of that back four.

He can play as well. He likes to receive it off the defence. We saw a

close-up of a player - and he was a player - Marc Wilmots. A record

World Cup scorer for Belgium with five. As you were saying earlier, he

scored in the final game of 2002 against Russia. He had a headed goal

disallowed against Brazil in Round Two. He still claims that goal

should have been allowed. When he wins that ball, De Bruyne

wants to break forward alongside Fellaini. The wingers for Belgium

are looking sharp in those opening exchanges. Number 22, Kevin De

Bruyne. Ignashevich made his debut 12 years

ago now. We saw a close-up of Sepp Blatter during the anthems,

presumably so we wouldn't hear any boos because he has been booed at

grounds when he's been seen before. The FIFA President. De Bruyne again.

It is interesting how they work in their midfield, Belgium are quite

happy to defend and get forward as well. All-purpose midfield players

they have got there. The ball swung up by Van Buyten. Hazard's touch.

You can see how high Fellaini is playing already. Hazard trying to

trick his way down the line. If you are Lukaku, you have to be

very patient. Rarely, do they look to go into him. He is such a big

man. That variation is missing at the beginning. Header on by Kokorin,

who is spoken of as the future of Russian football. A word for the

right back. That was a definite foul. Only speaks Flemish. In the

past, Belgian sides have had a few communication problems. Decent ball

forward by Mertens, looking for Lukaku. Faizulin got in there.

Witsel. Covers so much ground. It is effortless for Witsel. He covers the

ground beautifully. The ball comes through to Mertens.

Witsel, by the way, is said to fancy a move to the Premier League.

Two men on Hazard. Vermaelen with the cross. Fellaini challenging. He

was offside as soon as he moved towards the goalkeeper and became

active. They still haven't tested the goalkeeper yet. Akinfeev will be

relieved about that. He is taking no chances. He is not going to catch

any of them. The first time as the Russian senior goalkeeper he is

under a bit of pressure from Lodygin. He was their goalkeeper at

Euro 2008. He has to make that ball stick,

Jonathan, in order for Russia to He has to make that ball stick,

up. In the first game. No. His ball retention is a worry. He is always

looking on the shoulder of the last defender, but you have to keep it as

well. Good touch by Mertens. He has started in lively fashion.

Russia haven't reached the second round in two World Cups in the

post-Soviet era. That's a Russian throw. Kokorin.

There you saw Kokorin on the shoulder of the last defender. He is

very good at that. He's back into the middle now, Kokorin. Faizulin.

Shatov. Gets it again. Fellaini ahead of him. Can he get the shot

there. Coming across the edge of the box. Faizulin a little dummy, gets

his shot off and the keeper does very well. This is already better

than what I have seen from Russia in the whole tournament. Good

interchange play. Courtois on his toes. 154 games for Atletico Madrid

the Chelsea player, but he will be at the Bridge next season with Jose

Mourinho. What a waste that was. Terrible

corner. He has the space in front of him to

attack. There is nothing worse than a central defender going up for a

corner and it comes to nothing. Kompany. Vermaelen. Looking for

Lukaku. He has to win those personal battles against Berezutskiy and

Ignashevich, the veteran centre-backs. Berezutskiy has come

right in front of him. Lukaku has to be on the move when he receives

those balls. Kokorin. Unaware - gives it away. This is De Bruyne.

Starting well. Beyond Ignashevich. A chance for Belgium. Should he have

shot? He looked for Lukaku instead. The chance was gone. De Bruyne makes

a fantastic run there. Look at this. He wants to make something happen.

Looks out wide to Mertens and, for me, I thought he might pull the

trigger. Great defending in the end. The form Lukaku is in, I might have

gone for a shot there myself! Lukaku to Mertens. De Bruyne. Fellaini

making the run beyond him. Bright start by De Bruyne. Chelsea made a

?9 million profit on him but he only played nine games for them. Should

he have played more? A steadying influence that is Vincent Kompany.

That was beautiful. As well as he can play, to get back there and do

the defensive side of his game as well, that was first-class.

Who will start to shine consistently at these World Cup Finals?

This is a team that is full of interest.

together as a team, as a unit, lots of individuals, can they start to

play together as a team? Foul against Kompany. Boos from the

crowd. Hazard. Look at the space there. . Left foot

cross. Lukaku taking up a good position.

Doesn't look the same player he was struggling all those months for

Manchester United. Good play. Good ball in. You see

another example, going on to the other foot. Difficult to deal with,

too much height on it. Fellaini will be feeding off those.

Fellaini missed some games this season.

He was a fish out of water at Old Trafford.

Mertens kept drifting into a more central position in the last game.

They want to get their wide players into a much higher position. Hazard

a very, very tricky player. Retaining possession at the moment

and are quite happy just to keep it. The Mexico wave in the Maracana. You

can see a ripple amongst those fans there now in the sunshine.

A gentle breeze as well. Mertens has got a run now. Checks out. You see

that trickery that he has? This fella is very difficult to play

against. He's just simple, runs at his defender, nobody getting title

to him, comes on to his right foot. Should be hitting the fact from

there for me. -- the target from there for me.

He had a good end to the season with Napoli, his team. Scored five out of

seven. He's only 27. At his sixth club.

It wouldn't surprise me if Origi comes on later because the centre

backs will be moved around. Good ball into the box there. The

build-up to that was a lot better. Now, can they get Mertens with a

direct run? Great ball there, by the way. Helps

it on. It's a one versus one again. Nightmare for the defender. Forces

him far enough away from the goal. Lukaku should be joining in that

box. Has no option but to go for goal. You can see why Chelsea were

prepared to send him out on loan. He hasn't done enough really.

Definitely. It's whether he's got enough quality in his technique,

enough hunger. Enwhir in possession of the ball, if you can see your

centre Forward Moving quickly into an area, you give him the ball, but

it doesn't really show in his body language that he wants it.

Kombarov scored an own goal in Spartak Moscow a few seasons ago.

Oh, dear. That hurts. For both players. Nasty.

Unbeaten in four matches. Steady form.

Water treatment for the players below us. One of them was Fellaini.

The official was quick to stop that. I don't know why.

Vermaelen to De Bruyne. Mayor coming into the box. Corner kick given.

Mertens is one of the full back nightmares. Comes inside like he's

not there. Good defending, covering from behind.

De Bruyne. Good movement from him so far. Not a good final ball though.

Akinfeev's confidence is building nicely in the game. In the Soviet

Union days, they met ate times. -- eight times.

Since the break-up, Russia didn't seem to let the goal scorers in. Was

that a foul? Witsel. Lukaku.

Mertens. Too deep for Hazard who needs support now.

Vermaelen is moving. In the end, he was ineffective.

Vermaelen's fouled. Just about gets away with that one.

Actually makes contact with his opponent's foot. Doesn't really take

the ball. Lucky to get away with that. Look at it again. Catches the

back of his foot. It's a penalty for me. Yes.

Lukaku is a little sluggish in his movement. Moses under a bit of

pressure. No real attacking threat by Russia

at all. No, just relying on Kokorin making runs into the channel. At the

moment it's about whether Belgium can set their game out really. So

disappointed with Lukaku upfront. To the right side of midfield.

Ignashevich look looking for company. Always a danger this. It's

hoisted over. The quality in the final third again, isn't it? Lovely

ball. Weight on it but can't get a foot around it, Semenov.

Blue skies overhead. Little sunshine pen draying the stadium though. It's

like a big bowl carved out of the Maracana area. Russia attack down

the left hand side and a decent save again was called for. The shot was

Parried and brushed away by Courtois.

JONATHAN PEARCE: A foul this time by the 22-year-old, Kanunnikov. He made

his debut against Slovakia in May. There's a substitution here. Thomas

Vermaelen goes off to be replaced by Vertonghen.

MARTIN KEOWN: Like-for-like. He was distraught going down the tunnel,

Martin. He has had so many disappointments this season. Missing

out in the Cup Final. It can only get better for him. At Arsenal?

Well, that remains to be seen. I don't think this will help. It is

all about playing, Jonathan. Missed the Cup Final with a gashed knee,

but he wouldn't have been first choice? Of course. He served the

club with great dignity not playing in the match, but sitting there in a

final it hurts. And going off in a World Cup game like this, it is

sickening for any player. We haven't seen a great deal of Oleg

Shatov going forward. He likes to play in that midfield three. He will

be one of those that likes to get forward. The game seems to have lost

its energy. Vertonghen was running down the

left-hand side. Found now by Fellaini.

Belgium need to move this ball quicker for me. They need to get it

into the final third and getting their wingers on the ball. Lukaku.

Finally sees something of the ball. A few moments ago, he made a run and

he wasn't seen. Kompany - 61 caps for him now. Van

Buyten. Switches play to Samedov. Kozlov on

the outside. Russia, with the one point so far,

along with the Republic of Korea. Belgium have three. Victory today

takes them through. He pinged it at Fellaini! He

couldn't control it. Shatov, on to his left foot. That is the lack of

quality that we talk about. Shatov is willing to get forward but

doesn't have it with that left foot. I'm wondering about Kompany's

fitness as well. We have already lost Vermaelen. He was struggling

with a groin injury coming into this game. Marc Wilmots said he will be

taking no risks with him, though. Presumably, he is OK. We will see

how long he lasts. Poor old game of football now,

Martin. Faizulin there, he needs to keep the ball on the floor. Don't

lift it. You make it so difficult for your team-mate.

What can the Napoli winger do? Parried by the goalkeeper. Lovely

work by Mertens. So far, the most attacking player and impressive

player on the pitch. That is a free-kick for the jump by De Bruyne.

Great ball into the channel. Mertens loves these. Just standing up the

full-back again. He wants to go outside. For me, he has to do better

in that area. He has to look for somebody. He has his head up. He

elects - he should be pulling that back. If they get that right, they

will go in front. There's the man they call Sergei

"The Silent" - he says nothing to the media. Good header by Fellaini.

Lukaku's run has opened up a space. Blocked by Ignashevich. Should have

give it him. Lukaku makes a good run. He ignores it.

His first touch was quite heavy. He's ploughed into Dries Mertens. He

gets a yellow card. He's pleading his innocence,

Glushakov. Just a little glance - yeah, he is late. Stamps right down

on him. Didn't get a touch. It is when he comes down on him. You can't

condone that at all. Berezutskiy is great at that. You

want to get down the sides. And test him for pace.

Lukaku, blocked by Ignashevich. That is handball, surely? They are

breaking off this, Russia. Kompany, eyes absolutely glued to the ball.

Terrific defending. Brilliant. One v one, that is what he is good at -

very quick. He looked majestic there, Kompany.

That is offside against Fellaini. Brilliant defending by Kompany.

Yeah, look at this. He picks his moment. It is what he does

afterwards as well, he doesn't panic. He protects the ball well.

Then lays it off to his team-mate. A rare breed these days. Good

defenders. We have been talking about it over the last 24 hours. You

were talking with a World Footballer of the Year about this lack of great

defenders. He was saying the art of defending is disappearing. Playing

out from the back and wanting to playing a gres sieve -- aggressive

football, but don't forget about defending.

Five minutes to go. There will be a bit of stoppage-time. Ignashevich

coming out from the Russian defence. Nobody put him under any pressure.

There is no plan to press people high up the pitch. This is where

Russia are likely to be at their most dangerous when they send

Berezutskiy forward for corners. The keeper decided to punch away. There

was some interference in there. Courtois comes for it. He is a long

way out of his goal. Can't really see any contact with him. Very soft

decision from the referee. 6ft 6in goalkeeper. He was a Champions

League runner-up. What a spell he had in Spain. Twice won the Best

Goalkeeper of the Year Award. Some goalkeeper for the future. An

unbelievable keeper, isn't he? Everybody that's any good seems to

be from Belgium at the moment. There used to be seven or eight superb

goalkeepers in the World Cup Finals. It seems like there's Vaseline on

the ball in this tournament! Kozlov has done enough to force a corner.

This is good from Russia. So often it is the second game that

trips up fancied teams. Samedov with the corner kick for

Russia. Headed away by Van Buyten. Whistled

over. It was worth a try. He couldn't get it down. Came out to

Faizulin. Certainly not frightened to shoot. Just not got the

technique. Four or five efforts have not found

the target. Faizulin there. Kanunnikov has made a difference to

them today. Oh, what a chance! Well, this is what we are talking about,

about defending, about marking in the box. Kokorin finds himself in

between. Which centre-half has got him? No-one. He should punish them.

As good as Kompany is, he should be organising that better. He is not

going to get a better chance than that. Described as the future of

Russian football. He will be quickly in their past unless he takes

chances like that. It is a glorious ball in. It is begging to be put in

the back of the net. That is a horrible miss. That will haunt him.

He was the player involved in that bizarre transfer last season and

within a few weeks he was sent back to Dynamo. We have some outstanding

strikers in the studio and I am sure they would have loved to have got a

chance like that. Unbelievable miss. That is better from Belgium. Hazard

to Witsel. Disappointing from Belgium. I would like to see shorter

passes from them. It is all very back to front. Not moving it quickly

enough. It's been a terrific tournament so

far. Fellaini is across there. We are

into stoppage time. De Bruyne won it back.

Lukaku isn't even looking, is he? Doesn't know where the space is.

Handball. Good spot by the ref. Played well I

think. Just that one penalty incident that might have been

called. Yes. Kokorin will keep running into those channels.

Well, Fabio Capello goes off at half time. His team have had the best

chance so far. It's been desperately disappointing. A couple of decent

balls. Mertens has looked likely for Belgium. It's that chance of Kokorin

that will be talked about at half time. 0-0 here at the Maracana.

that will be talked about at half time. 0-0 here at the Maracana. So

goalless at half time and not a dark horse in sight I would say.

It wasn't great was it really? Not at all. There was some opportunities

that maybe both teams could have handled better, especially the cross

at the end there. It's difficult to call. You don't even know who is

playing well, who is playing badly. I've been disappointed in Belgium, I

have to say. They haven't offed a lot going forward. They have been

poor. They have been hit on the break a few times. A sitter missed

before half time. Possibly Clarence Russia should have had a penalty we

believe? Definitely a penalty. I don't know what they are looking at,

the referee in the last game possibly. He just shoved his foot.

Anticipate the ball. It would have been good for the game. We want a

goal! Exactly. Irrespective of whether it would have been good for

the game, that should have been a penalty. He's been brought down

there. He's kicked him. I think the only clear cut

opportunity of the entire half came just before half time, the Kokorin

header? An absolute sitter, and a peach of a ball from the left hand

side. I'm afraid he just has to score it. There's no other thing to

say. Great ball in. That's the chance he'd been waiting for. You've

got to bury it. You can also say Vertonghen has to realise that the

striker is kind of alone and he has to cover Kompany a bit quicker but

he should have scored. Russia have counterattacked on occasions and

broken quickly, haven't they? But they have not quite finished it off,

Clarence? When you have counterattacks, you need to maximise

on it. When we train, a lot of fans don't really take it seriously. It

happened every game. There is an opportunity to drive the ball. The

great run from this player goes to the side. The defender needs to make

a choice, stay with the player or ball or I run with the runner to

create space and time to get closer to the box and at the last moment

decide whether to shoot or get to one of the two runners. Nothing

happened. Too early? Yes. Here it can come direct to the ball. He has

to go wide so make it open and go forward. Everyone think this is

player here. These moments need to be maximised.

Thierry, you have got a point on this one. You have to analyse the

situation. I would never do that. No disrespect to him, but Kompany is

fast, stronger. I would have fancied my chance a bit more at van Buyten

there. Alan, concern about Lukaku at the

start of the game there and you have more now? It's a tough role he's

playing out there. It's tough at any age, never mind at 2. His movement

is out there -- at 21. He's not going to score going towards the

goal end. He can't do that. If he wants the get the goal-scoring

record up, he has to improve. Just look at Hazard running past him

here. Again, if he doesn't get in there, he's not going to score

goals. The ball bounces off. He has to bring people into play and

Thierry, this one for you. Oh, yes, I mean, that's for me an easy goal.

Mertens passes his man and for me, you have to go and stop because you

don't give him an angle to get the ball right there. That ball was

never going to pass across the post and he's looking. He's gone right

behind the defender. I don't agree on that one. He's a striker so I

understand that, but he's thinking about me making the goals but in

that situation there was another player in the box behind him, go on

to the First Post and create it at the spot where another midfielder or

defender are coming in. Actually we are agreeing because it's Belgium

that needs to make a goal. If the guy was outside the box, it would

have been at the second post. Since we are talking about Lukaku, if he

had stopped there The individual choice. Yes, it would have been an

easy tap-in. It's about knowing when to make that run, one for the

defender, one for yourself. Tell me about it! Mertens is probably the

biggest threat. We were talking about him before the game and he did

not let us down. He's having a good game. De Bruyne is too. But Mertens

has been the spark of the game. Thierry, he's in an identical

position to where he scored against Algeria when he came on. This time

he chooses to shoot in this game, sorry, the cross. I wonder if they

want to put Lukaku into that World Cup. You know when you want to help

a striker so much because you know how good he can be as soon as he

gets a goal, I believe that's what they are looking for. Maybe he

should have had a goal before. He and De Bruyne are getting the

movements and they have caused one or two problems. Roy Hodgson and

Steven Gerrard have been talking to the media in the last hour ahead of

Tuesday's game against Costa Rica. Here is what they had to say. I'm

very pleased that the board have come out and asked me to continue. I

think there's a lot of work to be done but I also think that we are on

a good path. I can see a lot of possibilities for this team and

these players to improve and become better.

There's no truth that I'll be making any announcements within a week. I

think I need more time than that. I've spoke to the manager this

morning and asked him for some time over the summer to consider my

future but I certainly won't be rushing into any decision. I think

that the players are very, very strong as a group, a solid group. I

believe that they are more than accepting of the work that we are

trying to do, and they share our belief and goals and vision.

I think we came across a Uruguayan side who were cute and clever. They

were disruptive. They were difficult to beat. They never the England team

get any momentum in going forward. I shall be changing the team. It

will be the team which will give people who haven't had much of a

chance in the first two games to show what they can do. So if you

interpret that as planning for the future, I would understand, but

basically, it's not purely playing for the future and it's certainly

not purely sentiment, it's making certain that a group of players that

I personally believe have done everything they possibly could for

me and my country, to give us some success on the field, get a chance

at least to go home from this World Cup far too early, bitterly

disappointed but at least being able to say that I wasn't there just for

the ride, I wasn't there to make up the numbers, I actually took part.

I suppose the news there is that there's no real news. One more game

to go. He's going to bring in a few fresh faces in a game that to

England doesn't mean that much? The guys that haven't been playing will

be looking at the past two results and thinking, I deserve a chance now

because the results haven't been in favour of England so he has to give

other people a chance. In fairness, it's about the others now. It will

be a great beginning for the youngsters now and what a platform

to perform. Listening to Steven Gerrard saying they were up against

a cute, clever and disruptive side. We knew that, they were always going

to be like that, we knew that and we weren't good enough to counteract

that. I hope he doesn't change too much. The English performance was

not that bad. They were encouraging. Yes. They just need to make some

changes but keep the key players in. We want to see a performance. They

were in a tough group, you know. Italy and Uruguay. Although I know

they knew you have to prepare. They are a good team in the group,

England. That's my point. I'm saying what about if they were in another

group who, knows, maybe they would have grown in confidence from

playing a lesser side, I don't know. There are tougher groups out there.

Our next live game is here on BBC One, it's USAv Portugal from Manuas,

a game that could herald the end of this World Cup for Ronaldo.

3-0. Muller is there. Ronaldo will be hoping for better days to come.

Dempsey. What a goal! Brookes has hit it in for the USA!

I've got a feeling we might see something a bit special from Ronaldo

later this evening. You can see the USA v Portugal this evening from 10.

30. Follow that game and the Algeria game on the website and on the

radio. Let us see what Phillip Neville made of the first 45

minutes, with Mark Chapman. When I was outside earlier on, I talked

about the difference in atmosphere having two European ties rather than

the South America one which has been Argentina and Chile. During that

first 45, it's felt like a testimonial? Yes, a real strange

atmosphere, low-key, 80% Brazilian fans in here, doing Mexican waves

eight minutes in, so the game is being played at a slow tempo. We

need more, particularly from Hazard who hasn't got the service yet. I've

been surprised he hasn't come in field a bit more to get the ball.

Because Mertens has been the main threat he's been peripheral but he

should make something happen rather than wait for the ball? Yes, I think

so. De Bruyne has played well as well so Hazard doesn't have any

service so I would like to see the balls slid in through because we

know that Lukaku can run in on the speed. You wanted a quick word on

Steven Gerrard. He said he isn't going to rush into a decision. But

you think he should stay? I think England need him now more than ever

before. We have a lot of young players but we still need his

experience. It looks as though the young players look up to him and if

I was Roy Hodgson, I would be saying, we can't afford to lose you

at this moment in time. You thought Russia would be adventurous in this

game. You thought they'd cause more problems? Eye yes, they have created

the bichance of the game and could have had a penalty -- best chance. I

expect more from Belgium in the second half. Two grumpy Englishmen

were sat like that not doing the Mexican waves, Gary!

Very reserved us English. Thierry, I want to ask you about the America

game coming up. This is your final appearance as you have to leave us

after this because the MLS kicks off. Talk about crazy planning? They

don't want to show me a goal. I hope you have been training the last ten

days! Of course! LAUGHTER

What do you think to the USA's chances? They can do a Costa Rica

type of result. I think they can beat Portugal, but I can't help

thinking that Portugal has to perform. I know everybody is talking

about Ronaldo but I'm more a believer of the team has to perform.

There could be a few changes in the Portuguese line-up, some forced,

some other? Yes, I think that's a good thing for them. I hope that

Ronaldo really can enjoy a good game, a real good game where he can

do his thing. He deserves it. This is both your last shows, Thierry and

Clarence. It's been a delight, we'll talk more later about that sort of

thing but your thoughts so far on the tournament? Great. Amazing

goals, great movement, surprises. It's amazing, it's been amazing so

far. And the Dutch, a word on them? A very promising start for them? It

was always a please sure working with your guys, the tournament's

given a lot of goals, we are going to enjoy more of that. The better

teams, Argentina, Brazil and Holland for sure, we'll make sure we see

more of that. Let's hope we get a decent second half with some goals

for you. That would be welcome, wouldn't it? Maybe if Benzema was

playing I would have enjoyed it. No, the second half always is better

usually in big tournaments as we saw yesterday. Hopefully maybe the

players will get tired and it will open up a bit. Made some good

changes last time. Let's hope he does the same again. Didn't wait

that long to make them either, Gary, so if it hasn't changed within five

or ten minutes, expect him to put a sub or two on to give an extra bit

of pace, urgency and energy. I find a lot of Capello's games like that.

It's all about the result with Capello. Exactly.

GARY LINEKER: The two teams are coming out for the second half so we

can re-join Martin Keown, who is alongside Jonathan Pearce.

JONATHAN PEARCE: Thanks, Gary. It looks as if Marc Wilmots has

resisted the urge to change at the break. Belgium make their way out

all in red. To the goal away to our left-hand side. It is where the bulk

of their supporters are in numbers. Two big enclaves of red and yellow

shirts away down at that end of the stadium. The assistant referee

checks the nets. Lots of yellow Brazilian shirts in here. That first

half was as dull as dish water! It started quite bright. I do think

Russia should have had a penalty as they kick-off the second half.

MARTIN KEOWN: Surely now things will get better. There's some good

quality out there. If you get a moment, I would like to ask you your

thoughts on Roy Hodgson's press conference and the words of Steven

Gerrard. In the meantime, it's Russia in possession with the

31-year-old Berezutskiy high to the edge of the box. A foul by

Kanunnikov. He has certainly been livelier than Yury Zhirkov. He has

very good pace. He's causing a bit of a disturbance, letting the

full-back know that he is there. It is a definite foul.

Lukaku showing more movement there. What do you think of the criticism

from the studio of him? Lukaku, yeah, he looks like he is half

asleep at times! Surely, he is going to wake up into this match. He has

the necessary tools to be an outstanding player, but he has to

have desire and intelligence of movement. He is only 21. We must not

forget that. He is a baby! Looks like Hazard has gone into a

more central position. Lukaku turns there, Martin, and

looks behind him as if to say, "Where was the support in the box?"

Shouldn't he be making a more decisive movement towards it?

Mertens has the Russian full-back on toast! He is going to go in early so

expect it. Belgium are unbeaten in seven World Cup group matches. The

first time they have been in the Finals since that Marc Wilmots

winner against Russia 12 years ago. He was a very good player in his

time. He believes in close communication, fine man management

with his players. He phones them up when they are not with the squad.

Meanwhile, it is Kanunnikov. Surprised Wilmots has not said at

half-time let's close down much higher up the pitch.

He's left Witsel on the ground. Marc Wilmots said Belgium always try to

win. If they come up against a wall, they will have to learn to be

patient. Belgium have to shut down space. Kanunnikov has taken Witsel

out. He is a very important player. The referee not allowing, at the

moment, Martin, any treatment for the player who is down. He is how --

holding his shoulder. He's allowed them to come on now. Why was he

waiting? Players go down so often these days, you can understand why

referees have to make certain that he requires treatment. If there was

ever a player who wouldn't go down easily, it is Axel Witsel. Exactly.

There's the coach, Wilmots. He will be pondering whether he needs to

make any changes to the personnel. He's changed the tactics slightly.

Eden Hazard is playing more centrally, closer to the front man,

Lukaku. He needs people in and around him. He is on his feet, which

is good news. The crowd is 73,819. That is the official crowd that's

been given us. Lots of VIP seating. You will see the seats empty at the

start of the second half on the far side. Probably been in for some

corporate entertainment. The flag against Lukaku. Lukaku did

score a hat-trick against Luxembourg in May, but that game was deleted

from the records because Belgium played too many substitutes.

It is all a little bit slow again. Nobody coming towards him. Everybody

looking for the long ball. Belgium surely have to make a change.

Shatov is on the right-hand touchline. Kokorin is in the penalty

area. Samedov. The right-footed player, Oleg

Shatov. Plays at St Petersburg, denied the title this year by a

point. Kokorin. Faizulin was on the edge of the penalty area. Then it

comes out to Kombarov. Russia have had four corners in the

game, Belgium just the two. A firm header away by Van Buyten,

using all his height, 6ft 5in. Kanunnikov is coming into the

penalty spot region. Kozlov. Back to the right back. A

high, hanging cross, missed by all. Drops to Glushakov. Was he going for

goal? He must have been. Sticks one out far stick. Just looking at his

technique here - he does go for a shot. He should be trying to cross

that. I think he changed his mind halfway through and then went to

spin it with the outside of his foot at goal and scuffs it wide.

No great movement from Lukaku again. That's a foul by Witsel.

I think that was more of an accident than cynical.

That's overambitious from Berezutskiy at the back. We have

seen the referees in this tournament be very quick to punish a player who

brings down another and stops a potential breakaway, even though you

might be ten yards inside the opposition half. Yes. Wilmots now

will be looking at his team and wondering which player out there is

the one that is the leader in the pack. Lots of good players, but who

is in charge on the pitch? Witsel is there with him. He dare

not make a challenge having just been cautioned. If you go by the

summer sales of last year, their squad had the third highest market

value behind Brazil's and Portugal's. This is a strong run by

Kombarov. It was a poor final ball. Kombarov did really well there. It

was just that final pass. He almost surprised himself to be in that

area. Just a long ball again from the goalkeeper. Was very surprised

Belgium haven't been passing out from the back. The Belgian Foreign

Minister is here. They are going to bring on a sub.

He has pace, he is only 19, and he is going to replace Lukaku, who has

had an unhappy tournament, let's be honest.

He came on against Algeria for half an hour, did Divock Origi. This is

only his fourth international. He played very well in the European

Under 19 Championships. He scored against Northern Ireland, I seem to

remember. I think he will be more direct and his movement will be

hungrier. Lukaku was a major disappointment. He is an angry man.

He didn't show that anger on the pitch.

You can't say their manager is not decisive. If he sees something, he

makes the change. He has the personnel at his disposal. It is an

area they are thin on the ground with, front players. It doesn't

matter. If you don't play well, you are coming off.

It was taken away By his own team-mate. Could break. This is a

direct run now. Opens up the space and finds Hazard

now. De Bruyne, Hazard. He goes down. Out comes the keeper.

And the referee is none plussed. Origi got back into the path of

Hazard. This is Hazard who knocks it in.

No foul for me. Lucky there, Hazard. Someone down with cramp already.

He's just trying to get it back. Hazard looking for the foul, but it

wasn't. Got to get Hazard in the game much more if Belgium are going

to win this. Hazard has seen more of the ball.

Looks for Origi. Looks for the pass intelligently.

De Bruyne. Alderweireld. Kompany this time. Hazard. In a bit

of space. The shot is blocked there. Away by Kombarov.

There's going to be a change. The full back is going to go off and be

replaced by the man he replaced today.

Eshchenko's parents perished in a fire when he was nine years old. He

was in a children's home. Ignashevich. Van Buyten. This is

dreadfully dreary for a World Cup. Belgium have to up the tempo of

their game and stop the Russians mounting any attacks. I think the

Russians are very well organised. So deep now in their own half.

Kombarov. Kompany got a glance of it.

Samedov. Gone down the line. It was blocked.

No official word yet on why Vermaelen went off.

An ice pack for the Russian full back. It was on his shin so it might

be a contact injury. 64 minutes gone. Semenov.

There is no cohesion in the midfield. There's no five-yard pass.

Vertonghen's going out, Kompany is having to run with it. Giving it

away, look, very few options in the ball. It's OK Fellaini pushing on,

but they need to secure possession and then break forward.

The crowd are booing. That's what most of the neutrals think about it.

The vast majority of supporters in the ground are Brazilian. De Bruyne.

Inside the full back. . Mertens couldn't keep it in play.

Hardly seen Mertens in the second half.

Michel Platini made his thoughts very clear on Sepp Blatter. I don't

know whether you have seen the remarks on social media. Sepp

Blatter is not that popular here, you don't see pictures of him around

the stadiums. Keeping a low profile, isn't he...

The little protests are still going on around the stadia about social

inequality here. Belgium just don't seem to be

playing as a team. It's about being collective. As an individual you can

go so far and you need your teams to play as a unit. I don't like being

critical, but we are looking for perfection. We thought this team was

going to do exceptionally well. Might still do well...

It's the urgency as well. They need to up the tempo. There doesn't seem

to be a flawless side in this tournament so far. Couldn't get away

from the challenge. This is better from Russia.

Shatov push out by van Buyten. Good defending. Great play from Russia.

The third man running there. Literally finds the pass and Shatov

just not enough pace at the end of it. 25 minutes gone in the second

half and the Russians are coming! Kompany again. The vital header.

Brilliant. He's got the arm up high. Samedov

again has already taken one whack on the head. There's another one.

Samedov prepares to take the free kick. Ignashevich from the back.

Berezutskiy makes his run. Looking here just to clip it, just

to brush his head. Too much on it. Experienced player, his third

tournament, Euro 8, Euro 12 and the European Championship 2004, he

missed that with a knee injury on the eve of those games in Portugal.

Thought he was fouled and he's left a foot in there, had a bit of a dig

and the referee understands that and has the pull out the yellow card.

MARTIN KEOWN: Just a wild swing there.

JONATHAN PEARCE: The fans are doing their best. They are trying to

generate some noise in the stadium. Russia are growing in confidence. It

is about when you get that kind of space - some great movement again. A

lack of technique once more. Fabio Capello has praised their will

power. They say they can play at the top level. They have already avoided

defeat in the opening game for the first time since '86. Kevin Mirallas

is going to replace Dries Mertens, the best Belgium player in the first

half. We have seen nothing of him in the second half at all. On comes

Kevin Mirallas. Just like-for-like again. He needs

to change the tactics. It is Russia pushing forward. That's

a terrible pass. We came wanting to see a standard of

football expected of in the Maracana. The big local derbies are

played here. Van Buyten could have gone across

him. He's forced the corner. No free-kick. Throw-in given the way

of Russia. Marc Wilmots is unhappy. This is a difficult period for

Belgium. The favourites for this game and the group are struggling.

Kokorin has given it away. There's Origi's pace. He's not seen enough

of the ball. No, he hasn't. You see the way Russia, though - they will

press high and win it back early. Fellaini, the positions that he's

taking up, he's doing no better today than he has for Manchester

United. He has to be involved in the build-up. It is a long ball. I have

never seen the goalkeeper in a World Cup kick the ball out so much.

Fellaini has joined Origi. The tricks and it comes in to Origi. He

tried the shot on the half turn. That is better. It's that turnover

period that Belgium are struggling with. They don't work hard enough

when they lose the ball. Hazard wanted it played into him

first of all, didn't get it, a big, expansive gesture. Witsel to

Vertonghen. Kevin Mirallas had a good season for

Everton. This could be promising. Origi

strayed offside. That is his naivety. Yeah, just gone offside.

The ball into Fellaini seems to be their weapon. Nice diagonal ball.

Yeah, good spot from the linesman. Wilmots and Mirallas have had words

over the past few months. Kevin Mirallas spoke out about the

elevation of Adnan Januzaj to international status. He was told to

butt out by his manager. The substitute in space. He ends up

in acres of space. There is no real movement. It is not a bad run. He

should be hitting the target. Alarm bells were ringing in that Belgian

defence. I thought he might have took it on a bit before he hit it.

That's hopeless! He should be rolling that into the feet of

Kokorin. He's played that to the invisible man!

The CSKA Moscow player who was so good at Euro 2012. He hasn't settled

into Capello's method of thinking or his formations. He is a good player.

Looking forward to seeing him play. He might be the man who unlocks the

door for Russia. Handball! It's a free-kick for

Belgium. Rashly given away. A bit clumsy, a bit tired. Good spot by

the ref. He's had a good game. Apart from the penalty! His command of the

game has been very authoritative. Here comes Dzagoev. Shatov

disappears. And on comes Dzagoev. Hazard will want to take this. No,

he's moved away to the edge of the penalty area.

He hit the post! Mirallas - that is the first thing he's done. Hazard.

He thought he was blocked. Origi seemed to be bundled over in the box

off the ball. Good strike by Mirallas. He's only

been on the pitch a matter of minutes and he was nearly the hero

there. He just whips it across the wall. He is unlucky. This could be

the start of better things for Belgium. They have to get on with

it. Hazard, into the box. Tried to find Origi. He should have gone on

his own. Vertonghen up to Fellaini for the

head down, but Ignashevich won it. Origi comes to challenge and gets

there in front of Ignashevich. Good control as well by the youngster.

He's got his way through. He only just wanted to hang on a bit too

long. He did well initially. He made that his own bowl. -- own ball. A

bit of inspiration, that is what you are looking for.

Just over five to go, passing that mark now.

We were in a game yesterday when Argentina left it so late to beat

Iran. Will we have another late goal here now? Mirallas, Hazard is there

with a spin. He shoots! Denied by the deflection. Fellaini says there

was an arm. Brilliant from Hazard there. Mirallas poking it to him.

Great turn, pivots, swivels, good defending. He's come alive. Will it

be just in time? Fellaini is in there. Van Buyten up from the back.

Fellaini! That's offside. Russia got out quickly in the

middle. Fellaini is certainly a target man. They love those flicked

balls into him. Very difficult to play against. This is the free-kick.

Look at the whip he gets on this. He finds the gap. The keeper is slow

getting across. He takes a step to the left, the keeper. He gets away

with it. Two Russians are down and there's no

urgency to get back. Origi. Hazard beyond his man. Strong finish by

Belgium. Origi! 1-0! The kid has done it!

It's another Belgium substitute with another important goal. Absolutely

brilliant from Eden Hazard. That is what he is about. Big celebration,

but he can thank Hazard. Great run. He drifts past defenders.

Showed great awareness as well get into that position. Smacking it

home. Ready, waiting to pull that trigger. This man's made some

inspiring substitutions in these World Cup finals.

Just got to find his best 11. It's not easy with the array of talent he

has at his disposele. -- disposal.

Now Russia are going to make another change. They are going to bring on

Kerzhakov. Samedov will go off. The Red Devils.

Here is Origi to take on a tiring Berezutskiy. The jauntiness of

youth! A corner kick given. And I'll tell

you what, he can barely believe it. You could see that with Origi that

he knew it wasn't a corner. Barely a protest from Russia, just an

exhausted and resigned look towards the referee from one or two of them.

Into the last three minutes of added time. Away by Ignashevich.

His last finals finals. Free kick for Russia.

Not a fantastic performance, certainly a lot of work to be done.

Can Russia turn this round? Trying to get the ball to the edge

of the penalty area. Mirallas. De Bruyne has shown a bit of promise

at times and has been missing at other moments.

Kerzhakov. Kompany steers it away. Now Belgium

can break. Origi. To his left. Hazard beaten now.

Mirallas tries to place it. Hazard again, beautiful the way he weaves

through the defence. Puts it into Mirallas's path. Can't

get enough power on it. Handball Fellaini. Free kick.

Last minute of stoppage time. Belgium less than 0 seconds away

from the second round phase -- 60 seconds.

In the ground there are painted supporters celebrating. And there'll

be celebrations at the Copacabana tonight.

Belgium are through. They've left it very, very late.

Marc Wilmots deserves good praise for making a couple of great key

changes. Origi, the 19-year-old, got the winner. Bashed home two minutes

from time. That leaves Fabio Capello's side on the brink. Belgium

are celebrating because they are through, winning here by 1-.

If you wait long enough, you've always got a chance of seeing some

excitement. Belgium have secured their place in the last 16 with a

game to spare. Russia must now beat Algeria in their final game and hope

other results go their way. It was a long wait.

They were slightly fortunate, Belgium. Having said that, the sign

of a decent team is if you don't play well and get the result you

want. I'm sure they can play better. The manager deserves a lot of credit

again. Not only did he substitute well in the first game, it's now won

him the second game also. Clarence, it just shows you the importance of

the first goal in a game, because once one goes in, everything is

different? Everything is different. It's such a different mindset you

get out of both teams. One needs to react, the other sets himself free.

Hazard really came into the game and at the end, we got a goal, got what

we deserved. Got what we wanted, we got a goal. Something to talk about.

Hazard changed the game. We all agree on that. But the thing that

I'm being surprised with, I've seen a lot of players since the beginning

of the competition and it's early doors, having a problem with cramps,

tiredness. I know obviously it's not an easy one, but I think that had an

effect on the game because Hazard looked tired and he took advantage

of that at the end of the game. The happy Belgians here through to the

next round. Two out of two, Gary. Yes, quite a reaction. Got through,

Origi's goal it was, of course. We didn't see too much brilliant

football during a lot of the game but the actual goal itself was a

good bit of play? Yes. I thought Hazard did brilliantly out on the

left hand side. He did a movement or lack of movement if you will,

whatever you want to call it. But Origi plays it out to Hazard and he

wants to get in the box. We mentioned at half time about not

going in there, just stopping, giving the defender a problem,

something to think about, whether he goes in, stops, starts, holds out to

try and get his space. He held out for his space and Hazard was able to

find him. So he goes in, the defender is still on his way in,

he's not clever enough to spot that, he stands still. Did it brilliantly,

to be fair. 19-year-old kid gets the space. You raised that, didn't you,

Thierry? Yes, that's what he did. You have a player like Hazard going

by the line, you give him an option. It didn't look like a great movement

or big movement, but if you stop, the defenders are always going to

cover that First Post. So you're always going to do that. That's way

less obvious, that, because there's way less time for Mertens to cross.

But for me, if he stops now, pulls out, just a tiny bit before, when

he's looking there, he's still looking, you are not stopping. Yes,

behind. Goes this and... It's a tough place to learn your trade

coming into the World Cup and we have two young kids upfront, Lukaku

21 and Origi 19 years old. Lukaku's defence, we have been there where

he's doing the running an tiring the defenders out, then another guy

comes on, he'll get all the glory now, it's a tough place to learn.

That is a great point, but I will always go back and at the end

That is a great point, but I will always go back and at of the day

support the team and Belgium as one. You did your part, the other guy

gets the glory, but they are through for the next round. It was livelier

after the free kick that hit the post? Yes, at the end. The keeper

here decided to put the ball in that position. The strange thing is that

he's practically behind the wall. There was a moment when the player

goes for the shot. He practically runs behind the wall. It's strange.

Not only would you see a keeper that puts the wall so much on one side

that he'll... Before he even shoots. Never seen a free kick so close. The

way he positioned the wall was weird for me. On the other side, he's

covering where he shouldn't be. Hazard again. Came alive the last

ten minutes where everyone seemed to be tiring, and he was the

difference. He was the one knocking on the door

for the goal to come. From somewhere he's picked up confidence during the

game and used it to great effect. On the counterattack, Russia are

pushing forward. Exactly. Superb. Eventually comes out to Mirallas on

the right hand side here. Bang. The space has started to open up the

last five or ten minutes. That's what I said about bringing

substitutes on in the last 15 or 20 minutes, that's how the game begins

to open up. Guys are tired, make mistakes, chances come. Russia might

point to a possible penalty they should have had in the first half.

They didn't have too many chances in the first game. It wasn't a bad or

vicious challenge, but you're late and... I agree with Thierry. He get

his foot there before the defender. He kicks him. Got away with that

one. Aside of that, 90 minutes play, two reasonable chances I think there

was for the Russians. Yes. The header. He sort of flicks it.

Instead of putting the full forehead on it, it's like a little flick.

Maybe you would have buried that straightaway. You would have as

well. Maybe. You don't take your chances, then you suffer. There are

a couple of players who if they picked the right man, there would

have been better chances. You don't make the right decision, 1-0. What

did you think of the reaction of Lukaku when he got sent off? He

clearly had the hump? I don't mind that, I really don't mind that. I

just hope that he was unhappy with his performance, you know. When I

used to play badly, I'm sure it's the same with you guys, it.Ed to

kill everybody, not because I didn't like you or you, because I was upset

with myself so therefore I was upset with the world a bit for five

minutes but I just thought that he was just upset with himself. I don't

mind that at all, I think it's a reaction that he hasn't played well

and he's disappointed. England are preparing to bow out of the

competition against Costa Rica on Tuesday. Roy Hodgson has been

talking to Gabby in the last hour. Was the aftermath immediately after

the defeat the lowest point in your managerial career? Yes, it was.

I've had some, of course. You can't work as long as I have without low

points, but I must say that was the lowst. -- lowest. Did you ever feel

like throwing in the towel before Greg Dyke made his decision?

No. I didn't want to be the one to turn around and say, it's hurting

me. I'll take the easy way out. This is a four-year plan, this wasn't on

your plan for the midway point? No. What was? What was the ideal

scenario from this World Cup in your plan? The ideal scenario would have

been to have gone much further than we have gone, to have seen some of

the young players do what they have done during this tournament, in

training and in the games, to give us a lot of hope. The major

calamity, or the major blow for us is the fact that we feel that we

were so close, these young players were so close to reaching that and

getting that confidence. Now, they, like the rest of us, the more

experienced ones, have got to suffer the fact that we have failed. What

decision are you most disappointed about that you have made with regard

to what's happened on the field of play? That's a good question. I

mean, I don't regret anything in terms of our preparation and the way

we have gone about our business. The support from everybody, the backroom

staff, the coaching staff, the way the players have gone about their

business, I can't fault any of that. It is nothing major. It would be in

terms of personnel, perhaps, maybe this player could have done a

different job to that player. I think the way we have approached the

games, I don't know that there's so much there that I would necessarily

have changed because in both the games, we have had chances of

winning the games. Is he right to stay in the job? I do. There's a

plan there. He should stick to it. There is a lot of young players. It

is his job to bring those young players through. It might be the end

for one or two experienced players - Gerrard, Lampard. It is now time for

Stones, Barkley, Shaw, he has to develop those players and turn us

into a force. He should keep his job. We are nearly out of time.

Clarence and Thierry, you are out of time with us! We have enjoyed having

you. You are off back to Europe? Yes. Thierry, you are in action on

Friday? Against Jermain Defoe. At home. A strange one playing the MLS

in the middle of the World Cup! Tell me about it! It's weird. I am sure

we will be looking at the TV, what's the score, and we have a game. It is

what it is. It has been great having you both. Thank you. We will be back

later with Ronaldo. We have seen a game, eventually.

COMMENTARY: Belgium's young whizz kid forwards against Russia's aging

defenders. What's up?

Oi, oi!