Head-to-head
· This is the first ever meeting in the World Cup between these nations.
· Russia have met Algeria twice at the Olympic Games, winning both matches in straight sets (2008 and 2012).
· These were the only times they met at a major competitions.
Russia
· Russia will qualify for the Olympic Games if two of the three following scenarios take place:
· 1) A win and Serbia lose
· 2) A win by 3-0 or 3-1 and China lose by 3-0 or 3-1.
· 3) A win by 3-0 or 3-1 and United States do not win by 3-0 or 3-1 OR a win by 3-2 and United States lose.
· Russia last qualified for the Olympic Games through the World Cup in 1999, finishing second.
· Russia can lose back-to-back World Cup matches for the first time since 1985.
Algeria
· Algeria lost 3-0 to Dominican Republic on Saturday.
· They are still seeking to win their first set at the 2015 World Cup. Their only set win in their last 18 World Cup matches came in a 3-1 win against Kenya in 2011.
· Algeria hope to clinch their second World Cup win (in their 22nd match) after that 3-1 victory over Kenya in 2011.