In their Group H closing match the Algerians will try to defeat a sputtering Russian team in hopes of winning of the top seed.

The Algerians will need Belgium to fall to Korea, which is highly unlikely based on their history in the World Cup. Algeria hasn't clinched a spot in the knockout round, so a win against Russia is of the utmost importance.

Russia has had a disappointing showing so far in the World Cup. Even after their nation paid the manager more than $12 million dollars, 50 percent more than any other World Cup coach, the team has looked poor in both form and in offense.

Russia has only scored one goal this World Cup, a stat that has historically come back to haunt teams. Russia opened up their 2014 World Cup stint with a draw against Korea.

After playing a great game against the Belgium team, the Russians tripped in the closing minutes, and gave the match away at 1-0. Despite their poor play as of late, Russia holds their own destiny when playing Algeria on Thursday.

If Belgium manages to defeat Korea, the match between Russia and Algeria will turn into a do-or-die situation, with the winner moving on to the round of 16, and the loser going home empty-handed.

The Russians will go up against a young, athletic, offensive-minded team when facing Algeria. And while Russia is coming off a heartbreaking loss, Algeria is on the upswing after laying out an impressive four goals against Korea.

Algeria became the first African nation to score four goals in the history of the World Cup. With the immense boost of confidence, Algeria will show up to the Thursday match with a can-do attitude. The team knows that a win against Russia secures their spot in the knockout round, and could potentially set them up to have the number one seed.

Algeria looked immensely strong in the match against Korea, scoring three goals in the first half. Algeria will look to start out hot against a defensive Russian team.

Russia has only allowed two goals this World Cup, which is the mark of a great defense. The problem has been their counter-game, which should be on fire judging by their lock-down style, but is still lacking. One goal will not be enough against the fiery offense of Algeria, as they are bound to give every inch of what they are taking.  

Russia and Algeria kick off on Thursday at 1 p.m. (PT). The match can viewed on ESPN2 or streamed online at ESPN.