LIVE - Russia 1, Algeria 1: Slimani levels the match for with powerful header (VIDEO)

Algeria's World Cup hopes are alive after Islam Slimani's header off a set piece sent his nation's fans into a state of pandemonium and leveled the score with Russia at 1-1 in the second half in Curitiba.

The set piece was produced after Russia picked up its second yellow card in a matter of minutes after a pair of cynical challenges. The set piece was just to the left of the Russian box and Yacine Brahimi's cross into the box found a mass of bodies, with Slimani's leaping efforts meeting the ball and pounding it into the net.

It should be noted, however, that a green light, possibly a laser, was seen on the Russian keeper, Igor Akinfeev, shortly before the free kick was taken, but it's not clear if it played a role in Slimani's goal.

Russia replaced Oleg Shatov in favor of midfielder Alan Dzagoev shortly after the equalizer.