Fellaini 'best header in Europe'

STRUGGLING Manchester United star Marouane Fellaini was hailed as a game-changer and described as one of Europe's best headers after rescuing Belgium's World Cup opener against Algeria on Tuesday.

With tournament dark horses Belgium trailing to Algeria's first World Cup goal in 28 years, the former Everton midfielder came off the substitutes' bench to power in a header to equalise in the 70th minute.

Fellow substitute Dries Mertens drove in the winner 10 minutes later to give Belgium a winning start in Group H.

"Fellaini is one of the best headers of a ball in Europe. He brings a lot to the game in terms of his physical impact," Algeria's Bosnian coach, Vahid Halilhodzic, said.

"He was so dominant in the air that my players didn't have an answer to it. He is an extraordinary player who changed the game."

Fellaini spent five years at Everton before signing for Manchester United in September last year. But he made just 16 league appearances and failed to get on the scoresheet.

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots admitted that the second-half introduction of Fellaini, Mertens and Divock Origi had been decisive in sparking a sluggish Belgium side who are many commentators' outsiders for the title.

"Mertens has speed on the wing, Origi has strength up front and Fellaini has physical force. This worked well," Wilmots said.

Despite the high praise, the 26-year-old Fellaini played down the tributes, preferring to give his teammates the credit.

"It was difficult but the most important thing is the win." – AFP