Algeria ran riot against South Korea to leave themselves with a big chance of making the knockout stages.
Algeria prevailed over South Korea in a hugely entertaining 4-2 clash in Group H.
Algeria not only gained their first World Cup victory since 1982, but also became the first African team to score four goals in a single match as they put themselves in with a chance of making the knockout stages.
Algeria had put themselves three goals into the lead before half-time, but South Korea came roaring back. A breakaway goal seemed to put Algeria back into the driving seat but South Korea hit back again to give themselves a chance.
Algeria had impressed against Belgium and again started strongly, looking the better of the two sides in the opening exchanges. Les Fennecs were unfortunate to be denied a penalty after just five minutes as they put pressure on the South Korean area, but the referee waved play on and Yacine Brahimi put the eventual effort over the bar.
A quick double-whammy of goals soon saw them take a two-nil lead, however. Islam Slimani, restored to the starting lineup, took advantage of some slack Korean marking to get in between the two centre-backs and poke the goal beyond the goalkeeper, and just two minutes later Rafik Halliche headed in from a corner after poor goalkeeping to spark delirious scenes among the Algeria supporters and coaching staff.
Slimani was again involved as Algeria bagged a third when he broke and played a smart assist for Abdelmoumene Djabou, who made no mistake with the simple chance presented. It seemed as though South Korea were completely buried.
Yet after half-time, the Koreans came out with serious intent and stormed the Algeria goal. Son Heung-Min scored with their first effort of the second half after some poor defending from Madjid Bougherra, and Rais Mbolhi was called into a sensational save after Ki Seung-Yeung let fly from distance, with Algeria looking like they were struggling to hold on.
Yet Algeria attacked themselves, and were rewarded when Brahimi's excellent one-two with Sofiane Feghouli saw him through on goal and, with another cool placed finish, Algeria looked to be back in control. Yet this wasn't any ordinary game, and South Korea again reduced the deficit to two just minutes later. Bougherra was called into making an incredible last-ditch tackle to prevent a certain goal, but the ball fell kindly for Lee Keun-Ho to cross for Koo Ja-Cheol to turn in from close range.
South Korea would have further chances, but in the end couldn't find a decisive finish to reduce the deficit further. Algeria will now face a crucial game against Russia - a draw for Les Fennecs will be enough to see them sensationally make it out of the group.
South Korea: Jung Sung-Ryong, Yun Suk-Young, Kim Young-Gwan, Lee Yong, Koo Ja-Cheol, Han Kook-Young, Hong Jeong-Cho Ki Seung-Yeung, Son Heung-Min, Chung-Yong Lee (Lee Keun-Ho 64') , Chu-Young Park (Kim Shin-Wook 57')
Goals: Heung-Min 50', Ja-Cheol 72'
Algeria: Mbolhi, Mesbah, Bouguerra, Halliche, Medjani, Mandi, Bentaleb, Feghouli, Brahimi (Lacen 77'), Djabou (Ghilas 72'), Slimani.
Goals: Slimani 26', Halliche 28', Djabou 38', Brahimi 62'
from SBNation.com - All Posts http://ift.tt/1in6Vjs
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