Algeria have earned a 1-0 lead over Belgium at half time in their World Cup encounter this evening.

Neither side showed much in the way of an attacking threat early on, but Algeria carved open a decent opportunity on 17 minutes when Riyad Mahrez sliced his effort high and wide on the angle.

Belgium were up the other end minutes later when Axel Witsel tried his luck from 20 yards, only to see his drive parried away by goalkeeper Rais M'Bolhi.

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The Belgians struggled to cause their opponents too many problems after that, and they were made to pay on 26 minutes as the Algerians took the lead from the penalty spot.

Jan Vertonghen was guilty of dragging Sofiane Feghouli to ground inside the area before the midfielder dusted himself off to slot the resulting penalty past Thibaut Courtois.

Belgium began to look more adventurous after going behind as Witsel and Vertonghen both had chances, but Algeria held firm to maintain their lead.

Another opening fell the way of Nacer Chadli late on when he was played in on the angle, though the midfielder's scuffed shot was easily held by M'Bolhi.