Russia are currently leading Algeria 1-0 in their World Cup Group H game in Curitiba.

In a scrappy opening period, Russia drew first blood in the sixth minute, as a cross from Dmitri Kombarov was met by the head of Alexander Kokorin from 12 yards, with the ball flying past the stationary Rais M'Bolhi and into the net.

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The Desert Foxes offered little in the opening stages of the first half, with Russia's defenders having to do little, while at the other end, Kokorin was allowed time and space in the box to meet Alexander Samedov's cross in the 21st minute but failed to hit the target.

Algeria upped the tempo has the game went on, however, and both teams found themselves playing attacking, end-to-end football.

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Midway through the first half, Oleg Shatov blasted an effort from long range wide, while just two minutes later, Djamel Mesbah was given a great opportunity to open the scoring, but his attempt was weak and easily stopped.

As it stands, Fabio Capello's side are going through to the next round at the expense of Algeria.

Written by
Giuseppe Labellarte