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.
SEE MORE: Complete scores and group standings
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.
GROUP H FINAL STANDINGS
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