Algeria’s Yacine Brahimi (centre), Abdelmoumene Djabou (left) and Islam Slimani (R) run during a training session in Sorocaba ahead of their match against Russia. (AFP)
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 in Curitiba today.
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 on Tuesday.
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.
“I’m very proud to be the captain of an Algerian team that has won a World Cup match for the first time in 32 years,” said the defender, who plays for Qatar champions Lekhwiya.
“It’s a great honour for me to make Algerian footballing history as part of this very close-knit squad who put in an exceptional performance.
“The most important thing is for us to play our own game and also play to our strengths. We have made our fans happy with this win and we now have a chance to make it through to the round of 16, but we need to forget about the victory over Korea first and get our feet back on the ground.”