Photo: Getty Images

A look at five substitutes who have gone onto change the course of the game after coming on from the bench this World Cup.

1. Klass Jan Huntelaar - Netherlands v Mexico

Klass Jan Huntelaar. Photo: Getty Images

It was heartbreak for the Mexican's who were denied a place in the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 28 years by super substitute Klass-Jan Huntelaar. With just two minutes separating the Mexicans from a berth in the last eight, Wesly Sneijder's shot finally breached Guillermo Ochoa who had been outstanding for the entire tournament. It was Huntelaar who headed the ball down for Sneijder and thus played an important role in the equaliser.

Mexico's evening went from bad to worse as Arjen Robben went down inside the box and the Oranje were awarded a penalty. Huntelaar converted from the spot to put Holland into the last eight.

2. Marouane Fellaini - Belgium v Algeria

Marouane Fellaini. Photo: Getty Images

What could have been a massive upset ended in a hard fought win for Marc Wilmots's Belgium who were pushed to the limits by Algeria. The Africans had taken a first half lead via a penalty by Sofiane Feghouli and their impressive defense gave no chance to the star studded Belgian attack to find an equaliser.

With plan A not working, Wilmots brought Marouane Fellaini off the bench and the Manchester United midfielder soon turned out to be the game changer. The Afro-haired Belgian scored the equaliser and his aerial ability as well as his strength proved a handful for the Algerians. Dries Mertens scored the winner ten minutes from time to register a big win for the Red Devils.

3. Romelu Lukaku - Belgium v USA

Romelu Lukaku. Photo: Getty Images

The Chelsea forward has hardly had a tournament to remember but that would all change after the Round of 16 clash against the United States. Romelu Lukaku started the game on the bench after failing to impress in the group stages and Divock Origi was given a start. The 19-year old came close to scoring on numerous occasions but was denied by Tim Howard throughout.

With the game in extra time, Wilmots decided to bring Lukaku and the Chelsea striker's fresh legs would go on to make an instant impact. The 21-year old ran riot on the USA defense and played a major role in Belgium's first goal scored by Kevin de Bruyne. He then added the second of the night for the European nation which would ultimately prove to be the winning goal.

4. John Brooks - USA v Ghana

John Brooks. Photo: Getty Images

In what was to be another nail biting end to a World Cup game, USA came out as winners thanks to John Brooks header four minutes from time. The Americans took the lead inside 20 seconds thanks to Clint Dempsey's neat finish but Ghana seemed to have got the equaliser as Andrew Ayew scored with ten minutes to go.

Brooks who started the game on the bench came on in the second half for Matt Bresler and ended up scoring the winning goal from a corner. His priceless reaction of disbelief would dominate headlines for days as he marked his FIFA World Cup debut in style.

5. Memphis Depay - Netherlands v Australia

Memphis Depay. Photo: Getty Images

What was arguably one of the games of the tournament ended in dramatic fashion as Australia's impressive fightback went in vain courtesy of a 20-year old, Memphis Depay. The Oranje took the lead through Arjen Robben, but Tim Cahill's superb volley put the Socceroos back in the game. Australia then added a second after half time through Mile Jedinak but Robin Van Persie equalised four minutes later.

Depay then settled the game with an outstanding goal from 25-yards out to score the winner and break the Australian hearts. It was the Dutch's first victory in four games against Australia.

Source: goal.com