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Supersubs prove World Cup match winners for Belgium

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AFP Rio De Janeiro
Belgian supersub Divock Origi is not sure whether he will get another game at the World Cup, but he is happy to put himself at the mercy of coach Marc Wilmots.

The 19-year-old is one of a team of scorers-in-waiting who have taken the European side through to the World Cup last 16.

Origi, who could have played for Kenya, came on as a substitute for a second game in a row against Russia yesterday to slam in a precious 88th minute winning goal for the European side.

On Tuesday it was Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens who were brought on to get winning goals after Belgium had fallen behind to Algeria. Thanks to their efforts, the Red Devils are likely to top Group H.
 

Origi is raw talent. Fellaini is an established English Premier League star, now with Manchester United. Mertens plays with Napoli in Italy.

Wilmots said after the win that every player has to be ready to wait for a chance to get on the pitch and vaunted the depth of his squad's strength.

"What is important is that Belgium can count on totally devoted players -- I nunderstand that people are not happy to be substitutes," he added.

Origi, who only recently broke into the first team at Lille in France, is happy to follow Wilmots' tough rules.

"I hope I have paid back some of the confidence the coach has shown he has in me," he said after scoring the goal in his fourth appearance. "I'm very happy for the team and for Belgium."

"It was very special to score here at the Maracana in the World Cup - and my family in the tribune too," said Ostend-born Origi, whose father played for Kenya, who tried to tempt the teenager as well.

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First Published: Jun 23 2014 | 9:40 AM IST

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