ALGERIA reached the World Cup last 16 for the first time after fighting back for a 1-1 draw against Russia to clinch second place in Group H.

Belgium strolled into the World Cup last 16 after Jan Vertonghen’s late goal gave them a 1-0 win over a South Korean side unable to take advantage of a 45-minute numerical advantage and who exit the tournament.

Russia grabbed the lead in the sixth minute when Alexander Kokorin met a perfect Dmitry Kombarov cross with a full-blooded header which flew into the net.

But there will again be questions about Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, who was at fault for Algeria’s 60th-minute equaliser, coming off his line but failing to reach a Yacine Brahimi free kick which was headed home by Islam Slimani.

Belgium tops the group on nine points and will play Group G runners up the United States, while Algeria drew 1-1 with Russia to take second spot on four and earn a meeting with Germany. Russia finished with two points with Korea on one.

Muller strike lifts Germany as US goes through

Both Germany and the USA progressed to the second round of the World Cup after a solitary second-half Thomas Mueller goal settled matters in Recife.

And with Portugal defeating Ghana 2-1 in Brasilia Germany went through as group winners with USA in second place.

There had been fears prior to the match that old friends Joachim Loew and Juergen Klinsmann may both play for the draw that would see both sides progress.

But those fears were quickly allayed as both sides set about the match with attacking verve. Germany had much the better of the opening quarter, a combination of excellent defending and wasteful passes somehow keeping the scores level.

But ten minutes into the second half, Germany finally broke through, Mueller smashing an unstoppable shot past the diving Tim Howard after the keeper had done well to save Per Mertesacker’s initial header.

Germany created enough chances to win by more than just the solitary goal but USA nearly pinched an equaliser at the death as sub Alejandro Bedoya saw his shot well blocked before Clint Dempsey headed just wide.

Portugal beat Ghana 2-1 but both exit

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal of the tournament but missed a glut of other chances as Portugal’s 2-1 win over incident-hit Ghana on Thursday was not enough to make the second round as both sides exited the World Cup.

Portugal finished level on four points with the United States in Group G but the Americans advanced to the last 16 courtesy of a better goal difference despite their 1-0 loss to group winners Germany in Recife.

The World Cup exit completed a miserable two days for the Africans who were embroiled in a pay row and kicked out midfielders Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari for ill-discipline hours before Thursday’s kick-off.

Yesterday

Group G

Portugal 2-1 Ghana 

USA 0-1 Germany 

Group H

Algeria 1-1 Russia 

South Korea 0-1 Belgium

Knockout Round

Saturday

Brazil vs. Chile 

Colombia vs. Uruguay

Sunday

Netherlands vs. Mexico

Costa Rica vs. Greece

Monday

France vs. Nigeria

Germany vs. Algeria

Tuesday

Argentina vs. Switzerland

Belgium vs. USA