By CASSIDY GABRIEL

After Steven Defour’s reckless, double-footed challenge on Kim Shin-Wook earned the Belgian a red card moments before halftime, the Red Devils’ pursuit to win their group became an uphill battle.

Fortunately for the Group H winners, Jan Vertonghen’s 78th minute goal secured their final three points with relative ease.

The center back recorded his fifth international goal in his side’s 1-0 victory over South Korea. Vertonghen followed up an initial shot from 19-year-old midfielder Divock Origi, who made headlines with the game-winner against Russia. Defensively, Vertonghen was also a crucial factor in preserving his side’s clean sheet against relentless efforts from South Korea’s creative attacking line.

Vertonghen’s match-winning goal and involvement in creating chances for Belgium’s attackers earned him SBI’s World Cup Man of the Match award. He narrowly beat out the technical prowess of teammate Divock Origi and South Korea’s Son Heung-Min.

What did you think of Vertonghen’s performance? Which player stood out the most to you in Belgium’s narrow victory over South Korea?

Share your thoughts below.