Beiruting News

Algeria progressed to the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time in their history as Islam Slimani's second-half header was enough to earn them a 1-1 against Russia in Curitiba.

However, television replays showed the CSKA Moscow 'keeper may have been distracted by a green laser pen being shone in his eye seconds before the goal was scored.


Akinfeev complained before the free-kick was taken, although the Russian players didn't complain after the goal.

Russia boss Fabio Capello said there was no doubt Akinfeev had been distracted by the laser beam.

Belgium topped the group with a maximum nine points from three games after they beat South Korea 1-0 in the other game.

Algeria had gotten off to the worst possible start as with Sofiane Feghouli off the field receiving treatment for a head injury, Russia used the extra space afforded to them down Algeria's right to open the scoring.