Friday 20 June 2014 13:39, UK
Algeria boss Vahid Halilhodzic felt his side should have been awarded a free-kick in the lead up to Belgium’s winning goal in their 2-1 defeat.
Algeria were on course to record a shock victory over the highly-rated Belgians as Sofiane Feghouli gave them a 25th-minute lead from the penalty spot which they held until 20 minutes from time.
But two Belgium substitutes - Manchester United's Marouane Fellaini and Napoli's Dries Mertens - scored the goals that turned the match on its head.
Kevin de Bruyne made a strong tackle on Feghouli to set the move in motion and Halilhodzic believes the referee should have awarded a foul.
"In the second half we let the Belgians play too much and we had to endure the game. When you do that it is quite natural that you'll concede goals.
"But in my eyes Feghouli was clearly fouled and the referee had to blow the whistle.
"That did not happen, and so the Belgians were away on counter-attack. The little details that make the difference."
Halilhodzic was full of praise for the opposition, with Fellaini's physical threat particularly impressing him.
"Despite the defeat, the players have my congratulations, because they gave everything," he said.
"Algeria should be proud. We should not forget that Belgium is one of the strongest teams in Europe, and is physically strong.
"Fellaini is a physically strong player and is one of the best in Europe with the head. He dominated the air and made the difference."
