Algeria are through to the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time in four attempts, after playing out to a one-all draw with Russia in Curitiba.
Russia took an early lead when Aleksandr Kokorin was left unmarked in the North Africans’ goal area to head home from Dmitri Kombarov’s cross from the left wing.
Islam Slimani converted from Yacine Btrahimi’s free-kick to place Algeria on level terms in the second-half.
Every effort by Fabio Capello’s Russia to grab a winning goal were averted by the ‘Dessert Foxes’, who now meet Germany in the second round on Monday.
Algeria’s equaliser became the subject of controversy as television pictures showed a laser from the crowd had been shone in the face of Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev moments before the goal.
Russia knew a win would aid their progress into the last 16 and they made a perfect start as they pulled ahead in the sixth minute.
Viktor Fayzulin’s pass met Kombarov whose cross was powered home by Kokorin’s heaeder from 12 yards.
CSKA Moscow’s Akinfeev then saved week efforts from Djamel Mesbah and Braimi before blocking Slimani’s powerful header from eight yards.
Russia came close to adding a second but Aleksandr Samedov was denied by Rais M’bolhi after a pass from Kokorin.
Slimani pulled Algeria’s one goal deficit back on the hour mark as Akinfeev came off his line to try to intercept Brahimi’s delivery and was beaten to the ball by the Sporting Clube de Portugal striker.
Aleksandr Kerzhakov came close to getting Russia a much needed winner, but his low attempt was saved by Mbohli as Algeria held on to a historic win.
