Eden Hazard sticks up for Chelsea team-mate Romelu Lukaku

Eden Hazard has leapt to the defence of Romelu Lukaku after the striker’s disappointing performance in Sunday’s World Cup win over Russia.

The Chelsea forward, who spent last season on loan to Everton, was substituted just after half-time for the second straight game after struggling to make an impact in the Group H clash.

Divock Origi then netted a late winner for Marc Wilmots’ men after coming on for Lukaku, but Hazard feels that his club and international team-mate played his part in the result.

“I think Origi and Romelu have different styles,” said Hazard. “Lukaku didn’t have the ball very much, it was complicated for him, he did not have much space.

“I think Divock took advantage of that. I think both players had something to do with the victory.”

Hazard, who was named man of the match for his display in the victory, is content with his performances thus far in Brazil.

“I feel fit, I’m in good shape so I try to make the difference and often I make the difference at the end of the match so that shows I am still fresh,” he added.

“It was a complicated match but we are very happy with the result and the victory. We still have one match to go and we are qualified. We will try to get three wins in this qualification campaign.”