Rafa Benitez has congratulated Dries Mertens and commiserated with Faouzi Ghoulam following Belgium’s win over Algeria yesterday.
Rafa Benitez has congratulated Dries Mertens and commiserated with Faouzi Ghoulam following Belgium’s win over Algeria yesterday.
Attacking midfielder Mertens came off the bench to score the winner for the Europeans in a 2-1 victory, after the North Africans had frustrated their opponents for long periods.
“The Group H match between Belgium and Algeria was very interesting,” Benitez wrote on his official internet site.
“The Algerians got in front through a penalty, then they suffered until the end as they couldn’t impose their game and surprise the opponents.
“The arrival on the pitch of Mertens and Fellaini gave the team a lift and took their team to victory.
“I’m sorry for Faouzi Ghoulam, our left-back at Napoli, but I have to congratulate Dries Mertens who played on the right against Faouzi.
“Dries again showed his capability of giving his best when it is necessary. In summary, it was a great reaction by Belgium thanks to Mertens and Fellaini.”