Algeria look to extend stay in World Cup

Porto Alegre (Brazil), June 21 (IANS/EFE) Aiming to avoid a first round elimination from the FIFA World Cup like three previous times, Algeria face Asian powerhouse South Korea in a Group H clash at the Estádio Beira-Rio here Sunday.

Algeria had also qualified for the World Cup in 1982, 1986 and 2010 but each time they had to leave the tourney from the first round. The African team was defeated 1-2 by Belgium in their opener but their loss was extenuated when Russia drew 1-1 against South Korea which resuscitated Algerian hopes to reach the last 16, reports EFE.

South Korea captain Koo Jacheol believes that his side can easily win over Algeria.

"Things like morale and preparation which are not in the hands of the coaching staff, are my responsibilities. If I observe the players and control them to make sure that they enter the match together, then we will get a good result. I don't feel pressured or overwhelmed by the responsibilities," Jacheol said.

--IANS/EFE

ss/bg