PORTO ALEGRE // Algeria took a major step towards qualifying for the knockout round of the World Cup for the first time with a thrilling 4-2 Group H win over South Korea in Porto Alegre yesterday.
It was the first time an African team had scored four goals in a World Cup match and ended a 32 year win drought at the finals for the “Desert Foxes”.
Until they scored against Belgium in their opening match, Algeria had not netted a World Cup goal for 28 years.
First-half goals from Islam Slimani, Rafik Halliche and Abdelmoumene Djabou put Algeria in total control.
Yacine Brahimi’s second half strike, sandwiched by efforts from Son Heung-min and Koo Ja-cheol, ensured Algeria moved up to second in Group H behind Belgium.
Having been knocked out in the group stages of their three previous tournament appearances, and not won a World Cup match in their last seven attempts, Algeria were looking for a lift at the Beira Rio stadium.
They were off to a dream start as Slimani, one of five changes from their opening 2-1 defeat to Belgium, muscled off Korea’s two centre-backs to latch onto a long ball forward and jab home.
Within three minutes, Halliche had doubled the lead with a powerful header from a corner.
Djabou, another player promoted to the starting line-up, fired home the third as Korea’s hapless defence once again went missing.
The Asians were a different proposition in the second half and quickly pulled a goal back through Son, who fired through goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi’s legs.
Mbolhi then made a brilliant save to deny Ki Sung-yeung as the Koreans continued to push before Brahimi virtually killed the game after finishing off a slick passing move.
Koo slotted home a cross from Lee Keun-ho but it was not enough to spare Korea’s blushes, meaning they must now beat Belgium – who have already qualified – in their final group game to stand any chance of progressing.
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