World Cup 2014 Brazil » Group H » Live commentary: Algeria - Russia 1:1

Endgame Summary:
One of the biggest surprises in World Cup history has taken place this evening. The green-and-white dressed desert foxes are promoted to the round of the 16 best teams of the globe. Halilhodzic and his squad has achieved the impossible! In a difficult group they are second and will meet Germany in the eighth finals. During the first half, everything looked as if Russia would not have a hard time defeating the North Africans with Capello's discipline and a big portion of efficiency. Kokorin made the 1:0 out of one of the few chances already in the fifth minute of the game. In half two the Algerians became more dangerous from one minute to another and finally equalized the score with a header by Slimani. Akinfeev again did not seem to be very lucky. Congratulations to the Bosnian coach Halilhodzic and his team, have some nice celebrations out there!

Liassine Cadamuro (Algeria) is shown a yellow card

Kozlov makes a good header after a good corner from the left. But the great referee Cakir from Turkey observes the situation very well and see the foul.

Nabil Ghilas (Algeria) is shown a yellow card
Ghilas is booked after a needless challenge on Russia's left side.

Relentless pressure from Capello's team. But Algeria looks still quite solid at the back.

Maksim Kanunnikov is the last chance to change. The almost unvisible Kerzhakov is replaced by the forward from Amkar Perm.

Porto's Ghilas will substitute his colleague Djabou. Forward comes for forward.

Also Algeria throws new forces into the battle. Hassan Yebda from Udinese Calcio will bring some experience into the team.

Dzagoev is brought to the pitch. The former most promising star on the Russian football sky could lead to a change in this game.

This match has become exciting as never before. Now Russia needs to score which opens up wide holes in their defensive back. The fast desert foxes will surely know what is to be done about that.

Aleksey Kozlov (Russia) is shown a yellow card
Just like before the left defender, now the right full back is also booked. This leads to a free kick for Algeria.

Great cross from the right, but Féghouli does not receive the ball. Kombarov is there to clear.

Russia takes more risk and climbs the driving seat the first time during this game. Fast counter attacks are aimed to destabilise the Algerians.

It's on again. The Russians substitute Igor Denisov for Denis Glushakov. It is clear that a minor injury is to be blamed for this change as Glushakov was an important piece of Capello's defense.

Halftime Summary:
After this first half, Russia can be considered the master of efficiency. The very first chance of the game was buried by Kokorin with a clinical finish. His header was pinpointed to the left top corner and brought the lead to the Russian boys. In the following 40 minutes Russia tried to stand firm at the back without playing too risky up front. On the other side there was no pressure coming up from Algeria. They could have scored but were not barefaced enough. Two strong but misplaced headers by Slimani and several attempts from distance are nothing to overcome Akinfeev. At this moment, Russia is in the round of 16, Algeria out.

Another free kick from the left for Algeria, another header directed towards the goal. But it fails to hit its target.

Djamel Mesbah (Algeria) is shown a yellow card
Kerzhakov is about to break through at the baseline as Mesbah stops him with a foul. Mesbah holds the striker back and deserves this booking.

Another shot from distance by Algeria. Nice but not more. The North Africans are lacking the force to break through, to create bigger chances than those semi-attempts they are having at the moment.

What a header! The desert foxes earn a corner which is crossed directly to Slimani. A well placed header towards the right top corner demands everything from Akinfeev. But the goal would not have counted, ref Cakir had blown his whistle for offside already. But this situation gives hope to the Africans.

Second big chance for Russia! Shatov shakes four defenders off and tries his luck from long-range. 30 meters are a big distance but do not prevent Shatov to strike this nicely. The moaning of the crowd is loud but in vain. Mohamed does not have to save the shot.

Algeria needs a goal, but at the moment Russia is keeping the ball. That makes Féghouli & friends visibly nervous and the number of unforced mistakes is increasing. Smart play from Russia although not all too attractive for the neutral spectators.

Apart from the goal, Russia was never dangerous. They just not very active and try to stand firm at their back.

The North Africans have lots of difficulties with entering the box. All passes are cleared by the Russian defenders. The central midfield is made tight too, so better and/or other ideas are needed for Algeria to get some chances.

Goooal for Russia, 0:1 by Aleksandr Kokorin
Incredible efficiency! From the left Kombarov crosses a pinpoint pass to Kokorin's head. With a nice targeting Kokorin smashes the header into Algeria's goal. First chance of the match, first goal! And the Russians would be promoting with this score...

But also Russia is aggressive enough to make this game a great encounter. Good physics and fast game play are clearly visible on both side. Though, many linked actions are not to be reported until now.

The Mr. Cakir from Turkey has blown his whistle, in two hours the preliminary round of this World Cup will be over. How quickly time passes by...

The teams are coming to the arena in Curitiba, the crowd wakes up. The anthems will be played in a moment, after drying their eyes, the players will start this great thrilling game.

Both teams are coming up with on new player. Algeria replaces the experienced Boughera by Belkalem who was on loan at Watford last season belonging to Granada. Top star Feghouli and Slimani will still be responsible for the offense while the whole team is obliged to work against the ball in defense.

Of course, the North Africans know what historic happening they are able to achieve. Granada’s midfielder Yacinec Brahimi "It is one of the most important matches of my career, it is a match which can write a new chapter in the history of our country, and that is very much in our heads.". Also, former PSG, Ivory Coast and Lille coach, the Bosnian Vahid Halilhodžić’s feels with the whole nation. "We are going to try and achieve a second great result and bring pleasure to the Algerian people.", he states.

In contrast, the Russians are under big pressure. 2018 is their home tournament so they are almost obliged to go further and win against the Algerians. There are simply no excuses for Capello’s eleven. The expectations were high, but now a weak draw against South Korea and a defeat against the Red Devils from Belgium decreased the belief in Russians team. But still, nothing is lost and Greece serves as an example for the Siberian bears. Everything is possible.