Algeria into 2nd round after 1-1 draw with Russia

Thursday, June 26, 2014

photo Algeria's bench players run onto the pitch as they celebrate after the group H World Cup soccer match between Algeria and Russia at the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba, Brazil, Thursday, June 26, 2014. With Algeria and Russia playing to a 1-1 draw, Algeria qualified for the knock-out stage.

CURITIBA, Brazil - Algeria has qualified for the World Cup knockout stages for the first time after Islam Slimani's headed equalizer gave his team a 1-1 draw against Russia on Thursday.

Algeria placed second in Group H behind Belgium, meaning it will meet Germany in the second round.

Russia dominated much of the match after taking the lead in the 6th minute when Alexander Kokorin powerfully headed in a left-foot cross from Dmitry Kombarov.

Slimani's 60th-minute equalizer came after Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev failed to catch a swinging left-foot free kick from Yacine Brahimi. That was the second costly error that Akinfeev has made in the tournament for Russia.

Russia needed a win to advance to the next stage.