RIO DE JANEIRO, June 20 (AFP): Belgium can justify their outsiders tag and win the World Cup for the first time, claimed attacking midfielder Marouane Fellaini who said he'll shave off his afro-style hair if they succeed.
The 26-year-old, who has said he will shave his famed afro-style hair should the Red Devils win the trophy, put aside a difficult maiden season with Manchester United after a £27.5million transfer from Everton and scored with a superb header in the 2-1 win over Algeria on Monday.
His goal couldn't have been better-timed as he seeks to convince new United boss Louis van Gaal that he is worth persevering with when the Dutch national coach takes over the reins after the World Cup.
While the Belgians, appearing in their first major championships since the 2002 World Cup, were slow to get into their rhythm they looked more like the side that went undefeated through their qualifiers by the end of the match when Dries Mertens scored the winner.
"Belgium are capable of winning the World Cup," said Fellaini. "If that proves the case I promise that I will shave my hair."
Fellaini, son of Moroccan parents whose father was a former professional goalkeeper, received rave reviews for his performance when he came on as a substitute against Algeria and with the Belgians trailing 1-0.
Former England striker turned BBC presenter Gary Lineker tweeted an ironic tweet that Manchester United should buy the Fellaini that played for Belgium.
However, Fellaini, who chose to play for Belgium ahead of Morocco, says there is no difference between his performances for his country and United, despite him failing to score a goal in the Premier League last term.
Belgium capable of winning World Cup, says Fellaini
FE Team | Published: June 21, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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