After a scrappy opening period, Russia drew first blood as early as the sixth minute. A cross was whipped into the box from Dmitri Kombarov, which was met by the head of Alexander Kokorin from 12 yards, and Rais M'Bolhi remained stationary as the ball flew into the net.
The Desert Foxes offered little in the opening stages of the first half, with Russia's defenders having to do little, while at the other end, Kokorin was allowed time and space in the box to meet Alexander Samedov's cross in the 21st minute, but failed to hit the target.
Algeria upped the tempo has the game went on, however, and both teams found themselves playing attacking, end-to-end football.
Midway through the first half, Oleg Shatov blasted an effort from long range wide, while just two minutes later, Djamel Mesbah was given a great opportunity to open the scoring, but his attempt was weak and easily stopped.
Russia came out with the intent to put the game to bed in the second half, Samedov forcing a fine save from M'Bolhi following a one-two with Kokorin.
Controversy then struck as Algeria equalised on the hour mark, when a free kick was misjudged by Igor Akinfeev, allowing Islam Slimani to head the ball into an empty net.
However, a laser from the crowd was pointed on the Russian goalkeeper prior to the goal, which may or may not have affected his judgment.
Midway through the second half, Aleksandr Kerzhakov was able to maraud into the Algeria penalty area and forced a smart save from Akinfeev with a low drive.
Russia desperately tried to drive forward in the closing stages, in a bid to score the decisive winning goal, but the Desert Foxes held on for the draw, much to the delight of the Algerian contingent, who could celebrate making the second round of the competition for the first time in their history.
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