Match 48: Algeria reach round of 16 for first time in World Cup

Algeria's Islam Slimani (right), scores his side's first goal during the group H World Cup soccer match against Russia

Algeria advanced to the knock-out stages of the World Cup for the first time in their on Thursday by drawing 1-1 with Russia in Group H.

After Aleksandr Kokorin opened the scoring for Russia in the sixth minute, Islam Slimani struck the decisive equalizer after 60 minutes at Arena da Baixada in Curitiba.

Algeria improved to four points in the group for second place and a date with Germany in the round of 16, while the 2018 World Cup hosts Russia exit the World Cup in third place with two points.

Algeria join Nigeria in the knock-out stage for the first time that two African nations reached the last 16.

Belgium topped Group H with nine points and will take on the United States in the last 16 while South Korea bowed out with just one point in last place.

Russia drew 1-1 with South Korea in their Group H opener and then lost 1-0 against Belgium.

Algeria meanwhile came into the game on a high after blasting past South Korea 4-2 to take the driver’s seat for the knock—out stage, after having led but eventually lost to Belgium 2—1 in their opener.

Algeria coach Vahid Halilhodzic made one change to his line—up with Esseid Belkalem coming on for Madjid Bougherra. His Russian counterpart Fabio Capello started Aleksandr Kerzhakov instead of Maksim Kanunnikov.

Russia went ahead in the sixth minute as Dmitry Kombarov crossed from the left side to Kokorin, who rose above his defender to head inside the left post.

It was the first time that Algeria fell behind to start the game as the Desert Foxes led against Belgium and South Korea.

Russia actually scored the goal with a man advantage as Algerian star Sofiane Feghouli was being treated on the sidelines for a gash on his head when Kokorin found the back of the net.

The Russians nearly doubled the lead after 21 minutes but Kokorin headed wide and then Oleg Shatov’s long distance shot sailed just right five minutes later.

Algeria finally started to create some offence and got their first scoring opportunity just before the half—hour mark with Slimani’s header going just over the bar.

The Algerian keeper Rais M’Bolhi made a great save to keep his team in the game two minutes after the re—start, blocking away Alexander Samedov in a one—on—one situation after he combined with Kokorin.

Algeria’s determination paid off at the hour mark with the equalizer off a set piece. Yacine Brahimi’s free kick from the left side was headed in by Slimani as Russia keeper Igor Akinfeev was late coming off his line.

M’Bolhi was again spot on with 20 minutes remaining, getting down just in time to stop Kerzhakov’s blast from the right side.

Russia’s final chance to stay in Brazil came in the 90th minute but Aleksei Kozlov’s header went wide of the target.

Match 30: Belgium beat Russia to secure World Cup last 16

Teenager Origi sees Belgium into World Cup 2nd round place

Teenaged substitute Divock Origi scored a last gasp goal that gave Belgium a 1-0 victory over Russia on Sunday and secured them a place in the World Cup last 16.

The 19-year-old broke the deadlock with an 88th minute shot set up by Eden Hazard after a frustrating game in the heat of Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium.

Belgium now have six points from two games and are well placed to take top spot in Group H. The size of the qualification mountain facing Fabio Capello's Russia now depends on the result of the South Korea-Algeria match later Sunday.

The two sides set off at a furious pace that could not be maintained in the Maracana stadium.

Viktor Faizulin shot from the edge of the penalty area forcing a save from Thibaut Courtois in the Belgian goal.

Belgium's Napoli striker Dries Martens shot narrowly wide after beating two players. Moments later he broke free again but pushed the ball across the face of the Russian goal.

The game did not improve in the second half although the tension did mount as striker Romelu Lukaku directed some angry words at Belgian coach Marc Wilmots when he was replaced by Origi. Lukaku was substituted for the second straight game after another disappointing performance.

But Origi, who plays for Lille in France, proved his worth with the goal as Belgium piled on the pressure in the late stages, with fellow substitute Kevin Mirallas hitting the post with a free kick seconds earlier.

Match 17: Kerzhakov salvages draw for Russia against S Korea

Substitute Alexandr Kerzhakov came off the bench to salvage a 1-1 draw for Russia against South Korea Tuesday in their opening game in Group H.

South Korea went ahead after 68 minutes when Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev inexplicably let a Lee Keunho shot slip through his fingers just as Russia looked like taking control of the encounter in Culaba.

However, the lead lasted just six minutes as Kerzhakov tapped home shortly after coming on to secure a vital point for Fabio Capello’s side.

“After the goal they scored it is not easy to react,” Capello told BBC Sport.

“The players’ reaction was really good. They had two chances to score the second but that is football. Aleksandr Kerzhakov is a fantastic player, he always has chances to score goals.” South Korea dominated possession for long periods but faded as the game progressed and will probably be the more satisfied of the sides with a point.

Son Heungmin had the first opportunity of the game in the 10th minute, running at the Russian defence but blasted over from inside the area.

Russia’s first shot on target came just after the half—hour mark when Korean goalkeeper Jung Sungryong parried away Sergey Ignashevich’s free kick.

Koo Jacheol’s deflected shot went just wide off Ignashevich shortly afterwards but Korea’s best opportunity of the half fell to Son eight minutes before the break only for the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder to once again send his effort high over the bar.

The second half was a much more open affair with Victor Fayzulin testing Jung with a longe—range shot while Vasily Berezutskiy headed into the side netting from the resultant corner.

Ki Sungyueng forced a save from Akinfeev as the game ebbed and flowed but the Russian goalkeeper could count his blessings in the 57th minute when he spilled a free kick from Kim Younggwon.

Russia increased the pressure as the half progressed as Dmitry Kombarov tried his luck from distance and he also sent in a teasing cross that Jung did well to clear.

Russia were now looking the much likelier to score but the momentum swung back in South Korea’s favour when Akinfeev let Kim’s free kick slip through his fingers to hand Hong Myungbo’s side an unexpected lead.

Capello brought on Igor Denisov and Kerzhakov in an effort to find an equalizer and his gamble paid almost immediate dividends.

Alan Dzagoev’s shot was parried into the path of Kim, whose clearance hit Andrey Yeshchenko and fell into the path of Kerzhakov to tap home and join Vladimir Beschastnykh as a top goalscorer for Russia with 26 goals.

Capello’s side pushed forward in search of a late winner but South Korea held on for a deserved point.

Russia next face Belgium on Sunday while South Korea take on Algeria.