Algeria came from behind to draw with Russia in Curtabia courtesy of a second half header from striker Islam Slimani. The was enough to secure second spot in Group H and a place in the knockout rounds of the World Cup for the first time, at the fourth attempt.
Things could not have started much worse for the Desert Foxes as Russian striker Alexander Kokorin headed Fabio Capello's side into the lead just five minutes in. Dmitry Kombarov whipped in a great pinpoint cross from the left side deep and Kokorin met it perfectly from 10 yards, guiding the ball into the left top corner.
Russia tended to have the better of the opening procceedings, being confident of an early goal. They threatned seriously again on 25 minutes when Oleg Shatov ran costlessly through the Algeria half and got within 25 yards, before hitting a dipping shot with the outside of his right foot which dropped just wide of goalkeeper Rais M'Bholi's left post.
Algeria's best first half openings were from set pieces and their best chance came from a left wing corner. Yacine Brahimi's right footed delivery found Slimani completely unmarked from 8 yards out, however the striker headed straight at Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.
Just two minutes into the second half and Russia wasted a great oppurtunity to wrap up the game courtesy of midfielder Alexander Samedov. The Algeria defence split open down the middle and Samedov ran through, playing a one two with Kokorin before trying to dink the ball over the goalkeepr from close range. M'Bholi, however, turned the ball away with his body.
Just over ten minutes later on the hour mark, and the crucial moment of the game arrived as Algeria equalised. Brahimi whipped a costless kick from just outside the box from the left which goalkeeper Akinfeev felt he could dive punch away. He missed the ball, however, and Slimani got the jump on the back stick and headed into the empty net from 6 yards.
Capello's side struggled to respond from this and could not really create a clear cut opening, being limited to shots from in and around the box courtesy of Alexander Kerzakhov and Viktor Fayzulin, however M'Bholi dealt with both comfortably low to his right.
The only incident of note near the end of the game, was when an Algerian substitute was booked for kicking the ball away to which the referee officially added one more minute on for. It made no difference, however, and the 2018 hosts have not won a finals game at a World Cup since 2002. Russia progress.