Rio de Janeiro: Belgium once again left it late bit but managed to qualify for the last 16 after an unconvincing 1-0 win over Russia in a FIFA World Cup Group H match at the Maracana stadium here Sunday.

Substitute Divock Origi gave Belgium the narrow win after a 81st minute strike.

Belgium had done very little in the first 80 minutes of the match but went hell for leather in the final 10 minutes, and finally broke the deadlock.

Belgium's forward Divock Origi (R) celebrates after scoring with teammate Belgium's defender Daniel Van Buyten (L) during the Group H football match between Belgium and Russia at The Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Pic/AFP

It was a lackadaisical performance from a Belgian side that promised much before the start of the tournament.

Even in their opening 2-1 win against Algeria, Belgium had to rely on two late goals from substitutes to save them the blushes.

And against Russia as well, the Belgians, regarded by many as the dark horses of the tournament, looked laboured in attack and created little from the possession they had.

Russia in contrast defended stoutly and hit the opposition on the counter.

Coached by former England manager, Fabio Capello's side created more clear cut chances and should have led but for some poor finishing.