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Origi could star again for Belgium

Thursday, June 26, 2014 by PA

Surprise package Divock Origi may get another chance to impress after his late intervention as a substitute ensured Belgium's progress to the knockout stages.

The Europeans need only a point against South Korea to top Group H and Origi, a late inclusion in the squad after Christian Benteke was injured.

That may mean the Lille forward gets a longer run out than the 33 minutes he had after replacing Romelu Lukaku which resulted in an 88th-minute winner against Russia.

It was only Origi's fourth international appearance but he is already looking to improve his tally.

"I was able to come on to the pitch at the Maracana when the tension was at its peak and make the difference," he said.

"I'm sure I'll continue to grow and improve thanks to that calmness and score more goals just as important as that one."

While Belgium's first-choice XI has been heralded as one to watch there remain doubts about their overall strength in depth.

But the experienced Daniel van Buyten believes, just like Origi, everyone will have a part to play in Brazil.

"The frustration of players who don't start games is obvious but in a tournament like this your bench is one of the keys to success," he told FIFA.com.

"It's such a pleasure to see a youngster like Divock translate that into performance."

They may have started the tournament as outsiders but Chelsea's Eden Hazard, one of Belgium's star players, believes they have already sent out a message to some of the teams considered favourites.

"We intend to carry on winning. Each time, we inspire more fear," he said.

"That's ideal in terms of getting the teams we meet to come at us with their heads as low as possible."

South Korea's 4-2 defeat, which saw them trailing 3-0 at half-time, to Algeria has made life more than uncomfortable for the Asian side as they seek to rescue their tournament with what would be considered a surprise victory.

"I would have preferred the defenders to have been more stable. The results show that they haven't concentrated enough," said coach Hong Myung-bo.

"We have to turn the page. We must prepare better for the next game, it's our only option."

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