Algeria ready to turn goal trickle into flood

South Korea have frailties at the back that could be exploited

South Korea are well supported at the World Cup finals in Brazil. Photograph: Reuters.
South Korea are well supported at the World Cup finals in Brazil. Photograph: Reuters.

South Korea v Algeria

Sunday, 8pm

Estádio Beira-Rio

Algeria scored their first World Cup goal in 28 years in their opener and will hope the offensive floodgates have opened in a crucial Group H match against a leaky South Korea tomorrow.

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With Belgium sitting atop the group standings and Russia and Korea joint second after an opening 1-1 draw, Algeria will be fighting for their World Cup lives at Porto Alegre's Estàdio Beira Rio.

Back in the World Cup for the fourth time, Les Fennecs have never made it past the first round and will need a result against the Koreans if they are to extend their stay in Brazil.

The Algerians arrive at this gritty port city believing a place in the last 16 is within their reach after going down 2-1 to highly-rated Belgium.

Confidence and mood, however, will not be as high in the South Korean camp after sloppy play in their back end cost them a victory against Russia.

After yielding 11 goals in five World Cup warm-ups, the Koreans again looked vulnerable at the back in their opener and Algeria's coach Vahid Halilhodzic will be plotting to add to their woes.

When Sofiane Feghouli converted a spot kick to give Algeria a 1-0 lead over Belgium, the Arab nation celebrated their first World Cup finals goal since 1986 and were on course for a famous upset until the Europeans struck twice in the last 20 minutes.

South Korea, fourth place finishers in 2002 on home soil, also see the contest as a must-win with group favourites Belgium looming on the horizon.