Watford defender Essaid Belkalem helped Algeria create history tonight by reaching the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time.

Belkalem played the full 90 minutes during his country’s 1-1 draw with Russia which was enough to secure second place in group H and set up a second round tie with Germany on Monday.

Tonight was the 25-year-old’s first start at a World Cup after coming on in the 89th minute during Sunday’s 4-2 win against South Korea.

Belkalem has been unable to secure regular football at Watford since his loan move from Granada last summer, making just ten appearances.

But the centre half looked solid and composed tonight against Fabio Capello’s Russia.

Belkalem’s loan move to Watford was made permanent earlier this year.