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In Pictures: Algiers World Cup fever

Algerians are holding their breath as their country meets Russia on Thursday night for a chance at history.

The North Africans gave themselves a chance to progress to the next round by winning their second match in group H against South Korea.

By Mohamed Kaouche

Published On 26 Jun 2014

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With giant flags hanging from buildings and a giant screen installed in the heart of the capital Algiers, thousands of Algerians have been following their 11 ambassadors to Brazil as their national football team chase the chance to make history and reach the second round of the World Cup for the first time ever.

The “Desert Warriors” who ended a 28-year goal drought against Belgium and beat South Korea in a 6-goal thriller, made them the highest-scoring African side in a single World Cup. Algeria is now closer to progressing to the next stage: the final 16.

Fans in the capital will hold their breath on Thursday night as their team meets Russia in the southern Brazilian city of Curitiba.  

“This is going to be the longest 90 minutes in my life,” a fan said.

People of all ages watch the team(***)s game against Belgium.
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Moments before the last whistle was blown in the Algeria-Belgium game.
Football has a universal appeal in Algeria and crosses the gender divide.
Algerians are now second in the group with three points, ahead of Russia and South Korea who have only one point.
A supporter reacts after Algeria lost against Belgium.
Najib, 32, a security guard in a parking lot, says the World Cup is also a great opportunity to make some money.
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Mohamed runs a fast food restaurant in the capital Algiers and says: "Football runs in my blood, just like any other Algerian."
"Inshallah we will be the first Arab nation to make it to the second round," Imed and Mohamed said.
Algeria(***)s fourth goal against South Korea made them the highest-scoring African side in a World Cup match.
When it meets Russia on Thursday, Algeria knows that a second win will mean a place in the last 16.
The Algerians will only need a draw against Russia on Thursday, assuming the South Koreans don(***)t beat Belgium by several goals, to progress to the second phase at the World Cup.
Appearing in their fourth World Cup, Algeria have never reached the second round.
The "Desert Warriors" registered Algeria(***)s first World Cup victory since the 1982 tournament in Spain.
Algerians have waited 32 years for a victory at a World Cup tournament and will have to wait to see if their country can do one stage better.