South Korea v Algeria: Fennec Foxes ready to spring a surprise

Can Vahid Halilhodzic's Algeria cause an upset?

Neither side managed a win in two cagey opening games but Evan Bartlett is expecting a more exciting encounter this time round and thinks an underrated Algeria might just cause an upset...

South Korea v Algeria
Sunday June 22, 20:00
Live on ITV

Match Odds
South Korea 2.3611/8, Algeria 3.412/5, Draw 3.45n/a

Although FIFA world rankings don't always seem the most accurate indicator of a nation's quality, perhaps we should have been paying more attention to them in this group. Algeria, who were fourth favourites to win this group, are ranked at 22 - the top team in Africa and a staggering 35 places above South Korea. 

Before the tournament that would probably have seemed outrageous but after the first round of games it seems to be more reasonable. Algeria kept tournament 'dark horses' Belgium at bay for the majority of their encounter while South Korea, who have now won just two of their last 11 World Cup games, played out one of the worst matches of the tournament so far against Russia. In fact, the Taeguk Warriors have only won one of their last six games in all competition sand look like they may struggle to improve that form.

With Sofiane Feghouli looking a very dangerous threat for the Fennec Foxes and South Korea looking flat, there could well be an 'upset' here - although if we're going on FIFA rankings then I suppose it won't be an upset. Odds of 3.412/5 on an Algeria win probably aren't quite enough to tempt me, but 2.47/5 on Algeria draw no bet certainly is. 

Over/Under 2.5 goals
Over 2.447/5, Under 1.645/8

Algeria only managed to muster one shot on target against Belgium, but that was perhaps more thanks to Belgium's highly talented defence than any deficiency in Algeria's attack. They should have more joy against South Korea but then South Korea are probably expecting the same after facing a very conservative Russian side in their opener.

In saying that, neither side is blessed with a stand-out goalscorer, South Korea had to rely on a horrendous goalkeeping error to get on the scoresheet and Algeria's only goal came through a penalty. Therefore I'd probably avoid betting on this market, even though 2.486/4 does seem on the generous side for over 2.5 goals.

Cash Out Opportunity

Defeat for either side in this game will effectively rule them out of the competition and therefore things could be cagey at the start of the game. With the lack of goalscorers highlighted above, it could be worth backing 0-0 before the game at odds of 9.28/1 and then cashing out later on as the game gets underway.

Recommended bets
Algeria Draw No Bet @ 2.47/5

Follow Evan on Twitter @ev_bartlett

World Cup 2014 P/L
Staked: 6 pts
Returned: 0 pts
P/L: -6 pts