Algeria thrash South Korea 4-2 to make history

PORTO ALEGRE - 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 on Sunday.

It was the first time an African team had scored four goals in a World Cup match and ended a 32 year win drought at the finals for the 'Desert Foxes'.

First half goals from Islam Slimani, Rafik Halliche and Abdelmoume Djabou put Algeria in total control.

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.

Having been knocked out in the group stages of their three previous tournament appearances, and not won a World Cup match in their last seven attempts, Algeria were looking for a lift at the Beira Rio stadium.

They were off to a dream start as Slimani, one of five changes from their opening 2-1 defeat to Belgium, muscled off Korea's two centre-backs to latch onto a long ball forward and jab home.

Within three minutes, Halliche had doubled the lead with a powerful header from a corner.

Djabou, another player promoted to the starting line-up, fired home the third as Korea's hapless defence once again went missing.

The Asians were a different proposition in the second half and quickly pulled a goal back through Son, who fired through goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi's legs.

Mbolhi then made a brilliant save to deny Ki Sung-Yeung as the Koreans continued to push before Brahimi virtually killed the game after finishing off a slick passing move.

Koo slotted home a cross from Lee Keun-Ho but it wasn't enough to spare Korea's blushes, meaning they must now beat Belgium in their final group game to stand any chance of progressing.

(All photos by AFP)

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It was a tight encounter on the turf of Beira-Rio Stadium. Here, Algeria's midfielder Yacine Brahimi (L) fights for the ball with South Korea's forward Koo Ja-Cheol (R), South Korea's forward Park Chu-Young and South Korea's midfielder Son Heung-Min (C back).

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Forward Islam Slimani scored goal number three for Algeria in a six-goal thriller on Sunday.

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Algeria's midfielder Yacine Brahimi (R) kicks the ball to score his team's fourth goal against a resilient South Korean side.

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The Algerians, who still have to play Russia in their last group match, celebrate one of their four goals in a well-deserved contest for the north Africans.

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Colombian referee Wilmar Roldan was at the heart of proceedings on the ground when Algeria played South Korea.

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South Korea's midfielder Son Heung-Min (C) shoots to score next to Algeria's defender and captain Madjid Bougherra (R).