Divock Origi: Schoolboy dreamer to Belgian World Cup hero

Gerry Cox 04:56 24/06/2014
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  • Teenage fanclub: Divock Origi celebrates his goal against Russia with Daniel van Buyten, Jan Vertonghen and Axel Witsel.

    Divock Origi’s head is still spinning after putting Belgium through to the last 16 of the World Cup in his first season as a professional.

    The 19-year-old from Genk only broke into Lille’s first-team on a regular basis six months ago, and has yet to start a game for his country. But his 88th-minute winner against Russia on Sunday not only left Fabio Capello’s team on the brink of elimination, but put the Rode Duivels through to the knockout stages in their first World Cup since 2002.

    The King and Queen of Belgium were at the Maracana, alongside Sepp Blatter, but Origi’s pride was reserved for his father Mike, a former Kenyan international, who was also at the game.

    Origi became the first teenager to score in the finals since Lionel Messi eight years ago, and he could not contain his delight.

    “It’s my first international goal and it’s very special to score here in this mythical stadium. I’m very happy that we’ve qualified for the next round.

    “My dad was here and he is a very important person in my life. He guides me. It was very special to score with him in the stadium.”

    The youngster was only called up to Marc Wilmots’ squad as a late replacement for injured Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.

    He added: “Everything is going so fast. It’s my first full season as a professional and I only started to play regularly since January. I scored some goals, and then I was called up for the national team.

    “That’s what special about football sometimes.”

    Origi was still a schoolboy when Spain were winning the last World Cup in 2010.

    “Four years ago I was still 15 years old, at home in Lille watching the players in South Africa, especially Spain.

    “I always believed I could go far but in football you never know. I just tried to play my game and enjoy it every time I played. I just had a feeling I could be called up two months before the World Cup. I already had a suspicion but I wasn’t sure. Then they called me up.”

    Origi has replaced the disappointing Romelu Lukaku in both of Belgium’s victories as they top Group H with six points, and he may make his first international start in their final group game, against South Korea on Thursday.

    Another good performance is bound to alert Premier League scouts to coming on Lille’s door, but he said: “We have to see. It’s up to the club. I will just concentrate on my own game.”

    His team-mates certainly believe he has the ability to go far. “I hadn’t really seen him before the squad was announced. But in training he has showed a lot,” said Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld.

    “I’m impressed by him. He is a striker who has everything. He’s strong and technical. But we shouldn’t put too much pressure on him. He showed he can make a difference for us and we can trust him to do that.”

    Belgium captain Vincent Kompany agreed: “I’m pleased for him, he’s a guy who is only 19 but level-headed, and very calm."

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