Algeria draw with Russia to advance to WC knockout stage

Algeria advanced to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup as they came from behind to draw with Russia in their final group match.

Russia took an early lead as an unmarked Aleksandr Kokorin headed in from Dmitri Kombarov's cross in the 6th minute.

However, Islam Slimani converted from Yacine Brahmi's free-kick to provide Algeria with an equaliser in the second half, the BBC reported.

Russia failed to score a winning goal as Algeria held on to secure a tie with Germany in the second round Monday.

Algeria's equaliser, however, was reportedly a controversial one as television pictures showed that a laser from the crowd had been shone in the face of Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev moments before the equaliser.

Algeria coach Vahid Halilhodzic said that his side played a heroic match and their qualification is perfectly deserved, adding that during the first half Russia used their experience, and his players were a bit naive.