Benteke firing blanks as Colombia burst Belgium's bubble

Those people bigging up Belgium's chances in the forthcoming FIFA World Cup were dealt a reality check on Thursday night as the Red Devils were brought back down to earth by two second half Colombian goals.

That's not to say Belgium were without their chances, but unfortunately most of these fell into the lap of Aston Villa's out-of-sorts striker Christian Benteke, who seems to have lost his mojo since his hip-flexor injury.

Belgium looked the better team early doors  and on six minutes a cross from debutant Thomas Meunier, found Big Chris in front of goal but he headed just wide. Midway through the the half, Benteke pleaded for a penalty but his claims were swiftly dismissed by referree Marl Clattenburg.

Benteke continued to suffer from fifty pence head syndrome in the 40th minute, missing a gilt-edged chance from Marouane Fellaini. The Beast of B6 finally managed to get a shot on target just three minutes into the second half  but a deflection took his strike over the crossbar.

Belgium defended with a high line and it cost them big style after 51 minutes, Falcao springing the offside and dancing past Mignolet to put the Colombians ahead.

The goal seemed to strike fear into the hearts of a makeshift Belgian defence and Mignolet was forced into action moments later after Juan Guillermo Cuadrado's spectacularly mazed his way through the bewildered Red Devils backline.

The second goal saw Ibarbo find Luis Perea's header from a free-kick and slot past Mignolet with a left-footed effort from close range..

Belgium actually looked more likely to score after Benteke had limped off with both Fellaini and Mertens managing to hit the post.

Benteke's substitution sent the Villa Twitterati into overdrive with much weeping and gnashing of teeth about a potential injury but Belgium coach Marc Wilmots confirmed that it was the failure of the partnership between him and Lukakau that prompted his withdrawl.

Wilmots explained: "I wanted to try [the pairing], but I soon saw that nothing was going to happen.

"I am glad that you could see that. That is why I took Benteke off."

We should be more worried about his current form than a knock to the knee.