0' Final match day in the group stage. Both Korea and Russia need help if they want to go through. Algeria goes in with a win, and needs help if they can only manage a draw. Belgium are in and would like to avoid Germany in the next stage, and can do so with a draw or a win. Perhaps slightly anticlimatic with no big names here, not without drama. Algeria and Russia are both teams that know how to score, and South Korea is by no means a pushover for Belgiums final match.
6' Well its an early goal for Russia. Its an absolutely beautiful header into the top corner as Kokorin elevates above the Algeria defense. Algeria put squarely on the defensive and they'll have to draw back a goal now. Russia should be happy with that and will look to build their lead as well.
20' Belgium with the better chances in their match, although Korea strongly on the attack here. Russia continuing to create chances for themselves as well, and Algeria so far able to defend but still looking for the counter punch.
45' Well, still only the early Russian goal as we enter halftime. Belgium nearly joining the score sheet but missing from point blank range. However right before the half a straight red is shown to a Belgian player for stepping on the leg of a Korean player, and Belgium will see the second half out a man down. Korea are not without opportunity, but really lacking that finishing touch in the final third. Algeria with some modest opportunities but nothing particularly threatening yet. As it stands Russia would be through to the next round, but Algeria are one goal away from going through instead.
60' Algeria find their equiliser and the crowd go wild. Its Slimani who finds a head to a free kick in magnificent fashion. The keeper coming out to the near side but then needing to back track to the far post and unable to get there. What a goal for Algeria, and now Russia will have to find another goal if they want another match here in this tournament.
75' Korea creating some excellent opportunities for themselves, but still lacking that attacking touch to put a distressing shot onto the keeper's path. Although the opportunities have been there, the finishes have been relatively pedestrian, and the Belgian keeper not thoroughly challenged today. The Belgians not looking particularly strong themselves in the final third, but they final crack through with a goal as a shot from outside the box is not handled well and a Belgian attacker is the first to clean up the rebound and he slots it to the near post past the keeper. The Algerian Russian match has really opposed up now though. Russia desperate for a goal, but Algeria not sitting back in defense, and are keep to attack themselves.
Final' Well its all over now, Algeria doing enough to hold on and are through to the next round. Russia will be disappointed with their performance, only managing draws against Korea and Algeria. The Belgians take all nine points, joining the Dutch, Colombians, and Argentina s the only teams to accomplish that feat.
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