The Desert Foxes of Algeria take to the pitch in the match against Russia knowing that a win would guarantee a place for them in the Round of 16. Russia, on the other hand are in a more delicate position. They could win and still lose out on qualification if South Korea win by a big margin against Belgium in the group’s other match.
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Ahead of hosting the 2018 World Cup, this Russian side will hope that this is the tournament that finally ends their 28-year wait for a place in the knockout stages of International Football’s biggest showpiece. Fabio Capello’s goal-shy charges will have to do better than they have done in their first two matches in order to have a chance to advance. They labored against South Korea in their opening match and managed to score the equalizer in the 74th minute after Igor Akinfeev’s mistake had gifted the Asians the lead. They played slightly better against Belgium but still lost to a late winner by 19-year old substitute Divock Origi. Not particularly helpful is Russia coach Fabio Capello’s decision to omit experienced striker Alexander Kerzhakov and CSKA Moscow playmaker Alan Dzagoev from the starting XI, with the Italian preferring to pack the midfield with defensive bodies. This is the kind of approach that will get the Europeans eliminated if not revised for this match as anything less than a win will take the Russians out no matter the results elsewhere.
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Despite their disappointment at losing 2-1 to Belgium in their opening match after taking the lead, Algeria pulled themselves up to defeat South Korea 4-2 in their second match, putting them firmly in contention to progress to the next round. Known for their defensive prowess, the Algerians have shown that they can score as well after scoring more goals against South Korea (four) than their previous seven World Cup matches combined.
A win in this match would confirm their advancement regardless of the result in the other match. A draw could even suffice, provided South Korea do not beat Belgium.
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After Fabio Capello admitted the need to go out for the win against Algeria, it is expected that he starts both Alexander Kershakov, who is joint all time highest goal scorer for Russia and Alan Dzagoev, joint highest goal scorer at Euro 2012. It remains to be seen whether Alexander Kokorin, who has misfired till now will be paired with Kershakov up front or drop to the bench.
After three of the changes he made for the South Korea match found the back of the net, Algeria coach Vahid Halihodzic will encourage his team forward to get the gals that will propel them into the next round.
Probable Lineups
Russia: (4-3-3): Akinfeev; Kombarov, Ignashevich, Berezutski, Kozlov; Fayzulin, Glushakov; Dzagoev; Kanunnikov, Kershakov, Samedov
Algeria (4-3-3): M’Bolhi; Ghoulam, Bougherra, Halliche, Mostefa; Taider, Bentaleb, Medjani; Mahrez, Slimani, Feghouli
PREDICTION
After the comfortable 4-2 win against South Korea, the Algerians might take a more pragmatic approach; sitting deep and trying to hit Russia on the counter attack. They just might be successful since Russia have no choice but to go for the win.
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