FIFA World Cup 2014: Algeria eye historic progress against Russia

Curitiba: Algeria can make history by qualifying for the second round of the World Cup for the first time in four appearances at the tournament when they face Russia.

The Desert Foxes will be assured of their place in the last 16 with a win, but should also progress with a draw so long as South Korea don’t beat the already qualified Belgium by at least three goals in the other match in Group H.

Algeria ended a 32-year wait for a World Cup win in emphatic style with a 4-2 demolition of the Koreans on Sunday, becoming the first African side to ever score four goals in a World Cup game in the process.

Granada midfielder Yacine Brahimi was among those on the scoresheet in Porto Alegre and he is eyeing more glory against a Russian side that has failed to live up to expectations so far. “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,” he said.

With just a point needed, Bosnian coach Vahid Halilhodzic is likely to tinker with the side that starred against South Korea with Mehdi Lacen and Riyad Mahrez replacing Abdelmoumene Djabou and Carl Medjani.

And captain Madjid Bougherra has urged his side to keep their feet on the ground after the euphoria of finally ending the wait for a World Cup win.

For Fabio Capello’s Russia the match represents a final chance to rectify two disappointing resul-ts as they were held 1-1 by South Korea before being beaten 1-0 by Divock Origi’s winner for Belgium two minutes from time on Sunday.