Algeria advances after draw with Russia

Although they were behind in the 6th minute, Islam Slimani scored a golden goal in the second half to tie the score at 1-1.

Goalkeeper Ankinfeev's fatal mistake left the Russian team regretful (Photo: AFP).

With this result, Algeria ranked 2nd in Group H and together with Belgium, they advanced to the second round of the 2014 World Cup. As for Russia, there was a time when they almost reached the ticket but their weakness in the air made the Russians regretful. This was the first time Algeria participated in the knock-out round of the World Cup. As for the "Russian Bear", this was truly a disappointing tournament, especially since they will be the host of the next World Cup.

Entering the match with Algeria in a must-win situation to keep their hopes of advancing alive, Coach Capello proactively put forward a strong attacking lineup with striker Kerzhakov as the spearhead. This adjustment helped the Russian team's attack play to be much better than in the previous match with Belgium.

In the 6th minute, Russia opened the scoring, when Kokorin comfortably headed the ball past goalkeeper Rais M'Bolhi, after a cross from the left wing by Dmitri Kombarov.

The early goal helped the “old fox” Capello take the initiative in tactics. The coach of the Russian team instructed his players to actively slow down the pace of the match to bring the game to a stalemate. With a low-lying formation, the Russian defense often encountered Algeria’s fast attacks. However, Capello’s intention was successful throughout the first 45 minutes.

In the second half, Algerian players played wide and penetrated deep into the Russian team's wing positions and their intention was successful. From a cross, goalkeeper Akinfeev rushed out and missed the ball and Slimani headed it into the empty net easily. The mistake of the Russian goalkeeper almost gave Algeria a goal. This was the second time in this year's tournament that CSKA Moscow's goalkeeper made a mistake.

With the equalizer, the game turned around because Russia needed a goal to advance. They attacked continuously while Algeria actively played a see-saw game to keep the score even. However, with a lackluster attack, the Russian team could not penetrate Algeria's net any more. The score of the match stopped at 1-1.

This result forced Russia to stop, while Algeria entered the knockout stage as the second place in Group H. Algeria's opponent in the round of 16 will be Germany.

Line-up:

Russia:Akinfeev; Kozlov, Ignashevich, Berezutskiy, Kombarov; Samedov, Glushakov (Denisov 46), Faizulin, Shatov (Dzagoev 67); Kerzakhov (Kanunnikov 81), Kokorin

Algeria: Mbolhi; Belkalem, Halliche, Mandi, Mesbah; Medjani, Bentaleb, Feghouli, Brahimi (Yebda 70), Djabou (Ghilas 76); Slimani (Soudani 89)

Goal:Kokorin 6' - Slimani 59'

According to VOV.VN