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After a poor start only redeemed by Ivory Coast’s 2-1 win over Japan on June 15, Africa has sprang to life at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Algeria capped a memorable weekend for the continent, moving up to second in Group H last night with a convincing 4-2 win over Korea Republic at Porto Alegre’s Estadio Beira-Rio. The North Africans were simply unstoppable, pumping in three goals in the first half and completing the job on the restart despite a spirited South Korean fight back.

With the result of the match, the Algerians remain in contention to qualify for the Round of 16 – just as do Nigeria (after yesterday morning’s lone goal victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina), Ghana (after Saturday night’s 2-2 draw against Germany) and Ivory Coast. At the moment, the only African team confirmed to be out of the competition even with one round of matches to end the group games is Cameroon.

Meanwhile, World’s Best Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo continues to struggle in Brazil and unable to find the back of the net, although he kept Portugal in the competition this morning by providing the pass for Varela’s 95th-minute goal that secured a 2-2 draw with USA at the Arena Amazonia in Manaus.

One of the highlights of yesterday was Belgium’s qualification for the Round of 16 after an 88^th minute goal from substitute Divock Origi earned them a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Russia in a Group H clash at the Maracanã - Estádio Jornalista Mário FilhoRio De Janeiro.

•Photo shows Algerian players celebrating their well deserved 4-2 victory over South Korea . . . last night at Porto Alegre’s Estadio Beira-Rio, Brazil.

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