A late goal from youngster Divock Origi against Russia meant that Belgium maintained their perfect record in the World Cup and thereby secured their place in the next round of the competition. However the Red Devils will be aiming to make it through top of Group H and to do so they will need at least a single point in their match against Korea Republic.
However for other teams in the group things are not so simple and they will have to pull their socks up if they want to continue participating in the tournament. Belgium’s opponents on Thursday, Korea Republic, will be looking for their first victory of the campaign which could prove to be very useful in their quest of making it to the next round.
Russia is another side yet to record a victory in this year’s edition of the World Cup and only a win can help them continue playing in the tournament. Algeria on the other hand can cement a place in the next round should they manage a draw against Russia on Thursday, but will need Belgium to win their match against South Korea in that case.
Group H facts
- Belgium need one point to secure the top spot.
- Only a win can help South Korea and Russia to move to the next round.
- Algeria need a single point to make it to the second round of the World Cup for the first time in their history, provided South Korea fail to get the better of Belgium.
- If Belgium register a win on Thursday, the Red Devils will be the fourth side to maintain a perfect record in the group stages along with Netherlands, Colombia and Argentina.
- South Korea will need a favor from Russia to defeat Algeria and will also need to record a big win over Belgium to obtain qualification to the next round.
Group G standings ahead of Matchday 3
Team sheets for Algeria vs Russia
Algeria's First XI: M'Bolhi, Mandi, Belkalem, Halliche, Medjani, Mesbah, Bentaleb, Brahimi, Feghouli, Djabou, Slimani
Russia's First XI: Akinfeev, Kozlov, Ignashevich, V. Berezutsky, D. Kombarov, Glushakov, Fayzulin, Shatov, Samedov, Kokorin, Kerzhakov
Team sheets for Korea Replublic vs Belgium
Korea Republic's First XI: S G Kim, S Y Yun, Y G Kim, H M Son, Y Lee, J C Koo, K Y Han, S Y Ki, C Y Lee, S W Kim, J H Hong.
Belgium's First XI: Courtois, Vanden Borre, Van Buyten, Lombaerts, Vertonghen, Defour, Dembele, Fellaini, Mertens, Mirallas, Januzaj.
