Algeria make African World Cup history

South Korea’s Son Heung-min reacts as Algeria’s players celebrate their win at the end of their World Cup Group H soccer match at the Beira Rio stadium yesterday.

AFP

Porto Alegre, Brazil

Algeria put themselves in pole position to reach the World Cup knock-out stages for the first time with a 4-2 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’.

First half goals from Islam Slimani, Rafik Halliche and Abdelmoume 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.

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 wasn’t enough to spare Korea’s blushes, meaning they must now beat Belgium in their final group game to stand any chance of progressing.