Algeria scripts history as they reach the pre-quarters

Algeria made their dream true after 32 years as they made it to the round of 16 ahead of South Korea and Russia from the group stages. On the night they held Russia to a 1-1 draw and edged past Russia by a whisker.

Russia made a perfect start as Fabio Capello’s men needed a win to make it out of the group stages. They took the lead in the 6^th minute when Kokorin headed home from 12 yards out out-jumping the Algerian defenders after Oleg Shatov had floated one of the perfect crosses in this tournament. At half time it was Russia who was leading and looking good to qualify from the group after Belgium. Also Algeria could not be written off for they had shown enough wit that might work wonders for them to make a comeback into the match.

With all the promise shown by both teams the second half began among great excitement. Algeria needed to score and score quickly. They did so. In the 59^th minute Slimani headed home from close range to find his nation back on level terms. There was a controversy as replays showed that a laser ray was projected on Russian keeper Igor Akinfeev’s eyes and immediately after that he misjudged the flight of the ball and conceded an important goal. Russia kept on complaining but that did not prevent the Algerians to shut down the shop and sit back and defend. In the end the match ended with Algeria finishing on level terms with Russia at 1-1.

It was a night to enjoy for the Algerians and now they are up against Germany, who along with Austria denied them a place in the second round way back in 1982 in Spain. This encounter will surely turn out to be an intriguing one, both on and off pitch, when they meet within few days time for a place in the quarter finals.

• About the Author

About Argha Ghosh

An ardent follower of sports and die-hard Manchester United fan, Argha's ultimate dream is to watch a Manchester derby from the Stretford End at the Old Trafford.