Updated 22:05
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.
The ‘Desert Foxes’ looked set for all three points after two quick-fire goals left South Korea stunned. However, there was a second half comeback that gave the Asians hope and they leave the match cursing two penalty calls that did not go their way.
Islam Silmani chased down a ball over the top to poke home the opener for Algeria before defender Rafik Halliche powered home a header from inside the six yard box. Discounting celebrations, the goals were clocked 63 seconds apart.
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Djabou slotted home a cut-back pass on 37 minutes to make it 3-0. 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.
Son Heung-Min’s goal briefly gave the Koreans hope but Algeria kept their nerve to take the honours.
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Korea, who were denied two strong penalty claims, must now beat Belgium in their final group game to stand any chance of progressing.
– Additional reporting by AFP