FIFA World Cup 2014 Group H
This is the only group that does not have a team from the Americas. Belgium were making an appearance in the finals for the first time in 12 years and were tipped to do well after an impressive qualifying campaign. They finished with maximum points and were joined by Algeria who reached the knock out stage for the first time in their history.
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Belgium
Algeria
Belgium 2 Algeria 1
Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte
17 June 2014
Algeria took the lead half way through the first after Vertonghen, caught napping by an incisive Algerian attack, hauled down Feghouli to concede a penalty. The north African team then camped out in the final third and challenged Belgium to break them down. After relentless pressure and 67% of the posession, the Red Devils finally equalised in the 70th minute: ten minutes later a rare Algerian attack broke down in their opponents half. A swift counter-attack caught them exposed on the left allowing Mertens to score a well-deserved winner.
Russia
Republic of Korea
Russia 1 Republic of Korea 1
Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá
17 June 2014
Russia, managed by Fabio Capello, looked nervous and ponderous and their anxiety was not helped by a poor performance from their goalkeeper, Akinfeev. Korea deserved to take the lead and in the 68th minute Keun-Ho Lee's gentle shot was fumbled by the hapless Akinfeev, sailing over his head and into the net. South Korea retreated into defence but conceded an equaliser six minutes later.
Belgium
Russia
Belgium 1 Russia 0
Estádio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro
22 June 2014
Belgian substitute Divock Origi grabbed a late goal to take his side into the next phase after a dull game.
Republic of Korea
Algeria
Republic of Korea 2 Algeria 4
Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre
22 June 2014
In a thrilling game, Algeria were 3-0 up at half time and Korea were poor. Son Heung-min reduced the deficit five minutes after the break as the Koreans woke up but Brahimi restored the north Africans three goal lead in the 62nd minute. Even at this late stage, the Koreans continued their attempts to stay in the match and Koo Ja-cheol made it 4-2 in the 72nd minute.
Republic of Korea
Belgium
Republic of Korea 0 Belgium 1
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Arena de São Paulo
26 June 2014
Despite being reduced to ten men, Belgium secured a win and finished on top of the group with maximum points. Korea needed a win to stand any chance of going through and they spent much of the match on the attack, having 16 shots on goal but to no avail.
Algeria
Russia
Algeria 1 Russia 1
Arena da Baixada, Curitiba
26 June 2014
This match was essentially a play-off for second place. Russia took an early lead but were pegged back on the hour from a set piece. The goal was a controversial one as TV coverage clearly showed that a pen laser from the crowd was shone into the Russian goalkeeper's face. By the end, Algeria were hanging on praying for the final whistle.