Brazil 2014: Algeria Massacres Korea 4-2
By Opeyemi Oladunjoye
Algeria are on the verge of qualification from the World Cup’s opening group stage for the first time in their history after producing a first-half display of pace, commitment and quality which Korea could not counter or match.
Algeria will face Russia next and a draw will be enough to guarantee them a place in the knock-out stage. They will also hope that Korea convincingly beats Belgium.
Algeria’s manager, Vahid Halilhodzic changed five players from to the side that started their opening match against Belgium.
In that 2-1 defeat to the overwhelming group favourites, the goal from the penalty kick was one of only three shots the team mustered all game, and the only one on target. This time around, they created several shooting opportunities and had a decent penalty claim.
After 26 minutes, Carl Medjani sent a long pass over the Korean defence and Islam Slimani slipped between Kim and his central defensive partner, Hong Jeong-ho, outpaced both over a 40-yard foot-race and tipped the ball over Jung Sung-ryong, who stayed rooted to his line throughout, from six yards.
Over 12 minutes, Algeria proceeded to score more goals than they had in their last seven World Cup matches, stretching back 28 years, combined.
Rafik Halliche headed in from a corner, helped by Jung’s reckless rush from his line. In the 38th minute, another long ball from defence found both Kim and Hong marking Abdelmoumene Djabou, and when it fell to Slimani, both rushed to close him down. This allowed the forward to slip the ball back to the now-unmarked Djabou, who didn’t waste a chance to score.
Five minutes into the second half, Son Heung-min scored for Korea, converting a long ball pass to score through Rais Mbolhi’s legs.
The Asian side swiftly brought on the 6ft 5in Kim Shin-wook but it was Algeria who scored next, improvising the finest goal of the game on the break as Feghouli carried the ball from the half-way line, passed to Yacine Brahimi, accepted the return, gave it back again and the Granada player controlled well before shooting past Jung.
Five minutes later, Korea reduced the goal difference again, when Koo Ja-Cheol turned in Lee Keun-ho’s driven centre, but though Algeria suffered from both fatigue and tension thereafter, they was rarely threatened.