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Attendance: 42,732
South Korea national football team
World Cup | Group Stage
Jun 22, 2014 at 8pm UK
 
Algeria national football team

2-4

Heung-min (50'), Koo (72')
FT(HT: 0-3)
Slimani (26'), Halliche (28'), Djabou (38'), Brahimi (62')

Live Commentary: South Korea 2-4 Algeria - as it happened

Relive Sports Mole's live coverage of the World Cup Group H clash between South Korea and Algeria from Porto Alegre.
2

Good evening and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the World Cup Group H game between South Korea and Algeria in Porto Alegre.

Three goals in 12 first-half minutes from Algeria gave them a 3-0 half-time lead, and although South Korea battled better after the interval, the Africans claimed a deserved three points.

See how the action unfolded below.


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Good evening and welcome to the live coverage of tonight's World Cup Group H clash between South Korea and Algeria here on Sports Mole. With Belgium winning earlier this evening, both sides know that they can leave their fate in their own hands by taking three points. In fact, even a point shared would make things very interesting going into the final round of matches.

The lineups have already been submitted, so let's have a look at who managers Hong Myung-Bo and Vahid Halilhodzic have picked to lead their sides this evening.

South Korea XI: Jung Sung-Ryong, Yun Suk-Young, Kim Young-Gwon, Son Heung-Min, Park Chu-Young, Lee Young, Koo Ja-Cheoi (c), Han Kook-Young, Ki Sung-Yueng, Lee Chung-Yong, Hong Jeong-Ho.

Algeria XI: Mbolhi, Bougherra (c), Mesbah, Halliche, Brahmimi, Feghouli, Medjani, Bentaleb, Slimani, Djabou, Mandi.

Hong then has made no changes to the team which drew 1-1 with Russia last week. Despite Lee Keun-Ho coming off the bench to bag his team's only goal, the manager has opted to leave him out of the side again, meaning ex-Arsenal forward Park Chu-Young will lead the line again.

Meanwhile, Halilhodzic has made five alterations to his team, who were unlucky not to get something out of their game with Belgium. There's a change of formation for the Algerians, who look like they will be lining up in a 4-4-2 formation.

At the back, Djamel Mesbah comes in for Faouzi Ghoulam and Aïssa Mandi replaces Mehdi Mostefa. In midfield, Yacine Brahimi replaces El Arbi Hillel Soudani while Abdelmoumene Djabou takes the place of Saphir Taïder. Up front, Islam Slimani is in for Riyad Mahrez.

Slimani's inclusion suggests a different approach from the Algerians up top, with the Sporting Lisbon striker preferred to Soudani of Dinamo Zagreb. Having said that, strangely, the pair of 26 year-old strikers have almost equal records at international level. Slimani has ten goals in 21 appearances, while Soudani's 23 caps have produced 11 strikes.

Former Milan centre back Mesbah will provide strength at the heart of the Algerian defence, and his experience will surely help out youngster Mandi, who is winning just his third cap tonight.

Korean boss Hong stated that he was happy with a point in their first game, even if they couldn't hold their lead over Russia. He would've been encouraged by a first-half when they were much the better side, with Bayer Leverkusen's Son Heung-Min pulling the strings.

The midfielder was involved in everything positive that the South Koreans produced last Tuesday, though he should have hit the target when Park's knockdown header provided him with a good chance. He thrashed at the opportunity somewhat, but I'd back him to give his team the lead if a similar one came his way tonight.

Halilhodzic's string of changes come after he admitted disappointment at throwing away their lead to Belgium. Feghouli's 26 minute penalty gave Algeria the lead, but two goals in the final 20 minutes stole the points for their opponents.

Just to recap then, here's the current situation in Group H. Belgium's six points see them through, although South Korea can still top the group with two wins of their own from this point. Russia sit in third with one point and a -1 goal difference, while Algeria are last, a point back. The Russian's can't be knocked out this evening, and they'll be hoping for a draw here to give themselves the best possible chance of progression.

If South Korea were to win tonight, Russia would need to beat Algeria and hope that Belgium take all three points off of the Asians. The last round of games from this group takes place on Thursday.

Anyway, lets not worry about permutations right now! Back to this evening and this match is the third of five matches Porto Alegre's Estadio Beira-Rio will host during the tournament. France opened their campaign against Honduras here last Sunday, while Tim Cahill scored arguably the goal of the World Cup against the Dutch in midweek. The ground holds over 50,000 fans, and its the home of Sport Club Internacional during the Brazilian football season.

We have Colombian officials in charge of this one, and 34 year-old Wilmar Roldan is the man with the whistle tonight. Though young, Roldan has a lot of experience at international level, having taken charge at games at both the 2011 Copa America tournament, as well as the some of the games at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

PREDICTION: I think this will be a tight, low-scoring affair, but I do think we'll have a winner. With much to play for in Group H, I fancy the South Koreans to take all three points and improve their chances of progression today with a 1-0 victory.

We're five minutes from kick-off here and the teams are coming out of the tunnel ahead of the national anthems.

By the way, this is the first time these two sides are meeting in a full international. The only previous match between these two at any level came back in 2009, when South Korea won 2-0 in the under 17 World Cup!

Ki, Koo and Son were all booked for Korea in the draw with Russia, while Bentaleb picked up a yellow against Belgium. If any of these four are cautioned this evening, they'll miss the final game.

South Korea - in red, white blue shorts - get us underway. Algeria are all in white.

Park goes in high on Mandi and concedes the first foul of the game.

CHANCE! Feghouli gets an early chance after finding space in the box! He collects a cross from the left and decides to hit it early, thrashing it just too high of the target. Positive start.

Bentaleb wins a free-kick centrally, which Brahmimi takes. However his delivery is poor and Korea clear it away.

CHANCE! This excellent start from Algeria sees Kim almost concede a penalty as the ball bobbles around in the box again. Feghouli goes down and I think he's tripped, and it seemed as if the ref was almost playing an advantage. Eventually it pops up to Slimani but he skies his effort over the bar.

Algeria are well on top in these early stages - they're first to every ball.

Son clears a corner for South Korea easily, but Algeria collect the ball, go forward again and win another corner.

CHANCE! Surely Algeria have to score while they're on top, with Slimani wasting another chance. From the corner, he's found unmarked at the back post, but heads wide and it ripples the side netting. Somewhere in North Africa, a group of Algerian fans have just had a "Raheem Sterling moment!"

South Korea finally go forward, with Koo breaking into the box. He's alone up there and looks a little lost, resulting in Bougherra stripping him of the ball easily.

Brahmimi is lucky to not be booked after a foul on Lee. South Korea are edging back into the game, but they haven't created a real chance as yet.

Son wriggles into the box, passing Bougherra. Mandi stops him, and the Asians have a corner kick.

This is a good game already, with both sides showing attacking intent. There's been a few fouls already though! So far, Roldan seems reluctant to get his cards out - which has been a common theme of the World Cup. The tournament has the fewest bookings per game ratio of any finals since Mexico 86 at present!

Algeria's lively start has subsided a little, with their defenders just stroking it around at the back at the moment. I wonder if they'll regret not scoring one of those early openings.

CLOSE! Slimani holds the ball up well, teeing it up for Djabou to strike. It takes a small deflection and goes just wide of Jung's post.

CHANCE! It's Slimani again for Algeria! He meets a delivery from the right on the volley, but Hong's attempted header clearly puts him off. The ball flies off his foot and to the right of the goal without going for a goal kick.

Korea enjoy a spell on the ball, ending with Koo taking a knock to the head by Medjani.

Sloppy from Bentaleb, who gives the ball away. Son tries to play in Park but the ball is cut out.

GOAL TO ALGERIA!

Slimani finally gets on the scoresheet, a minute after he's harshly judged offside. It's a long ball forward, but it's a good one from Medjani and the striker latches on, shrugs off the two centre backs and lifts it over Jung. A deserved lead.

CLOSE! Brahimi nearly doubles the lead straight away, shooting from the right. It hits Kim and bobbles out for a corner. South Korea need to respond.

GOAL TO ALGERIA!

And just as I say Korea need to respond, a brilliant header from Halliche from the resulting corner gives the Algerians a two goal advantage. He beats Jung to the ball and it flies past the keeper and into the net. It's no less than they deserve.

The Algerian fans are going absolutely crazy in the stands here, and rightly so. A win here puts them in pole position to qualify for the last 16 alongside Belgium. This could be a huge victory for them.

Slimani went down holding his side and was seen to by a physio, but he's back on and seems ok.

Algeria have had ten shots already in this game. They look so much better going forward than the South Korean team, dealing with every attack with ease at the moment.

Korea just haven't tested Mbolhi here yet. He's had to punch a couple of free-kicks into the box clear, but aside from that he's had little to do. Son isn't in the game, while Park looks totally anonymous up front.

GOAL TO ALGERIA!

It's 3-0 to Algeria! And they have completely blown them out of the water here. Slimani is involved once more, taking the ball down, slipping a pass to Djabou. The ball takes both Hong and Kim out the game - it's awful defending in truth - and the midfielder slides it beyond Jung. This is a superb performance from the African team.

This is one of the most dominating performances of the World Cup to be honest. From the first minute, Algeria have been the better team, and 3-0 doesn't flatter them at all. South Korea are powerless to stop the movement of the Algerian attackers. You have to say Halilhodzic's changes are justified at this point!

Mandi's header is flicked wide off a Korean head from a free-kick, before Slimani nods an effort wide from the following corner. They're winning every single ball at the moment, with their defending from set pieces a particular concern.

South Korea seem to have no idea about how to attack Algeria. They're too slow and nowhere near ambitious enough. Oh, and they've made a total mockery of my pre-game prediction.

Two minutes of added time are signalled.

HALF TIME: SOUTH KOREA 0-3 ALGERIA

South Korea have never lost to an African team at the World Cup before, but that record is hugely in doubt right now! It's been an awful half of football from them, so I'd be stunned if Hong doesn't try and change something during the break.

It's been all about the Algerians, who are marching on to a deserved three points. Three goals in 12 minutes have destroyed South Korea, with Islam Slimani the star of the show. Having gone close on a couple of occasions prior, his goal was a deft finish after great persistence to meet the pass. His assist for the third goal was also excellent - he's had a quality 45 minutes.

You'll think I'm lying (due to my awful prediction!), but I'm not surprised by Algeria tonight. They were pretty unlucky against Belgium last week and probably deserved a point, while South Korea were decent against Russia without pulling up any trees. It's a cliche, but they've wanted it more tonight, and it shows with every pass, tackle and header that is won.

Here's a picture of Halliche beating Jung to score Algeria's second goal during the first half.

Algeria's defender Rafik Halliche scores in the nets of South Korea's goalkeeper Jung Sung-Ryong during a Group H football match on June 22, 2014© Getty Images


We're back underway. No changes yet for South Korea, which is a surprise to me.

A bit better start from South Korea, who win a free kick just wide of the box. After some jostling between Koo and Mesbah, Ki delivers low. Bentaleb half clears before it nearly breaks to Park. It's half a chance.

GOAL FOR SOUTH KOREA!

Unsurprisingly, it's Son who gets it. A long ball hits him on the back but he's able to take it down, sell Bougherra a nice dummy, and give himself a yard and a second to work with. He hits a composed left-footed finish through Mbolhi's legs and suddenly we have a game on our hands.

Halliche wins another header from a set piece, but Jung grabs it with ease.

CLOSE! South Korea work their way into the box again and Ki crosses, side footed from the right. Koo is in the middle, nodding it just wide.

Ah, I hadn't realised the flag had been raised. Still, it was another positive play from Korea.

BOOKING! Lee Yong goes into the book for a foul - the first yellow card of the game.

South Korea earn a corner after Lee gets down the left. He appeals for a penalty, claiming it had struck Bougherra's hand, but I think it would've been a harsh call.

CLOSE!Park gives the ball away - and not for the first time. However, he wins it back before being fouled, and Korea take the free kick quickly. It's headed over the keeper by Son, but Halliche is there to clear off the line!

SUBSTITUTION That's Park's final action, being replaced by tall forward Kim Shin-Wook. I'd really be surprised to see Park get another chance in Korea's final game. He's been woeful tonight.

CLOSE! Wow! Ki almost pulls one back from range, firing a goal and forcing Mbolhi into a diving save. Unlucky from the Sunderland man.

Algeria are defending for their lives now, but South Korea have their tails up. They can sense another goal, with Son pulling the strings.

GOAL FOR ALGERIA!

Well, I'm a jinx! Brilliant move from the Algerians, scoring the goal of the game so far. Feghouli wins the ball in the Korean half and travels forward. He rolls it Brahimi, who plays a one-two with him past two men, and Brahimi produces some step overs before firing it low and into the corner. Three goal lead restored.

SUBSTITUTION Lee Chung-Yong goes off, with Lee Keun-Ho on in his place.

The crowd comes alive again following Brahimi's goal. With Korea starting this half better, the fans had seemed a little edgy following Son's goal. Now though, they're back in full voice, and as good as the Asians had looked since the break, you have to think that there will be no way back now.

BOOKING! Captain Bougherra is booked after wiping out Son completely. The ball had long gone, and he's a little lucky that the Colombian referee didn't deem that worthy of a red.

Korea pump another ball into the Algerian box. They don't deal with it particularly well, but Son doesn't anticipate the poor defending and the African's clear. He beats the ground in frustration, because if he'd just moved forward two yards, he might have a had a shot on goal.

Slimani - who hasn't been involved as much during the second period - is fouled, and it looks like he might about to be subbed.

GOAL FOR SOUTH KOREA!

It's Koo who supplies the finish, pulling another back for his side. Sub Kim wins a knock down to Son, who tries to get a shot off. When the attempt is blocked, Lee is able to smash the ball back across, and the captain guides it into the net.

CLOSE! Korea come down the right and Ki's cross looks like it might sneak in. Mbolhi takes no chances and tips it over.

If South Korea can score soon, we could have a really exciting final ten minutes to this game. Russia will be praying that it will happen.

SUBSTITUTION Goalscorer Brahimi is brought off for Lacen and in the aftermath of the goal, I hadn't realised Ghlias came on for Djabou.

CLOSE! Ghilas wins a header centrally after a great cross from the left by Mesbah. Unlucky - he just couldn't keep it down.

SUBSTITUTION South Korea make another change, with striker Ji Dong-Won entering the play in place of Han Kook-Young.

Son's free-kick is cleared by Ghilas, and they have a corner.

Ghilas wins it again, heading out of danger. Lee can't get it under control and then neither can Son, allowing the danger to pass.

South Korea are firing in the long balls to Kim now. He's often winning the first ball, but nobody is getting on to the flick and their time is running out.

Slimani goes down awkwardly and after attention, is stretchered off. He's back on his feet, though he might be replaced.

Lee works a yard in the area but he's very wide and the angle is always against him. His shot goes well over the top of Mbolhi's bar and the keeper will take his time with the goal kick.

Nice attempt at link up by Slimani and Ghilas. The through ball is a tad overhit, allowing Jung to collect.

Son blasts a free-kick from a good position into the Algerian wall, but they only half clear. Son almost gets a second chance, but it's cut out.

CLOSE! Not far away from Ji. Kim wins yet another header and knocks it down perfectly for the onrushing Ji. Unfortunately, he drags it just wide of the far post.

SUBSTITUTIONBouguerra comes off for Algeria, replaced by Belkalem.

South Korea try and press, searching for a game which might give them a chance to save this game. It's unlikely, but Algeria seem strangely nervous.

Four minutes are to be added.

Another ball aimed at Kim flicks off an Algerian head. From the resulting corner, Mbolhi makes a brilliant claiming catch. Quality goalkeeping at a vital time.

South Korea want a penalty after Son is felled in the box following an arm in his back by Medjani and Hong is going wild, emerging from his technical area. It was good play from Ji to set Son up.

FULL TIME: SOUTH KOREA 2-4 ALGERIA

Algeria's 32 year wait for a World Cup win is finally over! They completely deserve the three points tonight, with their first-half performance worthy of winning any game. South Korea only have themselves to blame for an extremely lacklustre first half - putting a huge dent in their chances of progression.

With the three points, Algeria leapfrog Korea and Russia into second spot in Group H. If Algeria can earn a point against the Russians on Thursday, the Koreans would have to beat group leaders Belgium by a large and unlikely total in order to claim runners up spot.

Thank you for joining us tonight on Sports Mole, and be sure to stick around for analysis and reaction from the great game we've just seen. Remember, we have live commentary of every World Cup match, and you can join Barney Corkhill from 10pm for coverage of USA vs Portugal in Group G.

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 Head coach Hong Myung-Bo of South Korea reacts during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group H match between Russia and South Korea at Arena Pantanal on June 17, 2014
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Group A

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Q Netherlands Netherlands32107
Q Senegal flag Senegal32016
3 Ecuador flag Ecuador31114
4 Qatar Qatar30030

Group B

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Q England flag England32107
Q United States USA31205
3 Iran Iran31023
4 Wales flag Wales30121

Group C

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Q Argentina Argentina32016
Q Poland Poland31114
3 Mexico Mexico31114
4 Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia31023

Group D

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Q France France32016
Q Australia Australia32016
3 Tunisia Tunisia31114
4 Denmark Denmark30121

Group E

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Q Japan Japan32016
Q Spain Spain31114
3 Germany Germany31114
4 Costa Rica flag Costa Rica31023

Group F

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Q Morocco Morocco32107
Q Croatia Croatia31205
3 Belgium Belgium31114
4 Canada Canada30030

Group G

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Q Brazil Brazil32016
Q Switzerland Switzerland32016
3 Cameroon flag Cameroon31114
4 Serbia Serbia30121

Group H

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Q Portugal Portugal32016
Q Republic of Korea South Korea31114
3 Uruguay flag Uruguay31114
4 Ghana flag Ghana31023


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