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On the sixth day, the hosts themselves took to the pitch against Mexico. The dark horses of the tournament Belgium played host to the top ranked nation in Africa, Algeria and the next World Cups hosts in Russia went to battle against Korea Rep.
Belgium 2-1 Algeria
Every World Cup has a tournament dark horse. This time around is no different, in fact this time could be the closest you come to seeing a dark horse going far in the tournament. Of course Belgium are this years dark horse favourites and they took on the best ranked nation in Africa.
The Belgians started slow and couldn't seem to link a pass together. The Algerians kept pushing the defence and namely Buyten, Belgium's 36 year old centre back who had only featured 6 times for his club this season. The goalscoring began as Algeria striker Sofiane Feghouli was pulled down in the area by Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen. Feghouli slotted the penalty to the left of Courtois who dove right. The Belgians needed a response but could only get their play together 15 minutes into the second half. Ex-Everton midfielder Fellaini pulled his team level. The winner came form Mertens as the Belgian's got let off on their slow start.
Man of the match: Eden Hazard 7/10
Brazil 0-0 Mexico
Well who would have predicted this? Not many, as the national press in Brazil were unhappy at their nation's first game and the second didn't get much better. This game was one of the better goalless draws. Mexico's goalkeeper Ochoa was all that stood in Brazil's way. But after the keeper pulled off some top drawer saves, they began to realize there wasn't to be a break through.
Man of the match: Guillermo Ochoa 8/10
Russia 1-1 Korea Republic
This one was a flat affair and the first half may as well have not existed as both sides allowed it to pass by. The second half took until the 70th minute to jump to life as the Koreans took a shock lead through Lee Keunho. The lead was short lived as Alexander Kerzhakov equalised. The last 20 minutes passed by with barely anything to recall. The Russians would have hoped for a better result and performance. Russia are certainly a team that look like a team controlled by a restricting coach in Fabio Capello.
Man of the match: Kerzhakov 6/10.