Algeria
Algeria
Algeria overcame fierce rivals Egypt in a one-off play-off after both countries finished level on points at the top of their group.In the neutral venue of Sudan, Algeria triumphed by a solitary goal by defender Antar Yahia to advance to their third World Cup finals appearance. Coach Rabah Saadane has been able to build a well organized side which has proven itself to be solid defensively, and repeatedly praised the commitment shown by his players.
Algeria have a talented squad, many of whom play for top sides in Europe. They will no doubt be affected by the injury of Lazio star Mourad Meghni, who was extremely influential during qualification but has been ruled out of the finals in South Africa. Even so, Portsmouth wing-back Nadir Belhadj will be familiar to more than a few Premier League fans after a number of impressive performances for the club, while Rangers’ Madjid Bougherra is another experienced campaigner who has led his country’s defensive line impeccably. Youngster Ryad Bouldebouz, who plays for Sochaux in France, has caught the eye in Ligue 1 and will be hoping to burst on to the world stage, while Karim Ziani has been extremely consistent and creative for the Algerians over the past two years.
Key Player: Karim Ziani
Karim Ziani is without question one of the stars of the Algerian national team. Born in France, many had likened him during his younger days to Zinedine Zidane, who like Ziani is of French Algerian heritage. He stunned many in 2003 with his decision which saw him opting to play for Algeria instead of France, soon after making his debut for Algeria he was with them at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia. Ziani has been the architect and creative brain behind Algeria’s successful qualification for both the 2010 FIFA World Cup and was the star for his side at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations. Ziani is a midfielder who can play in a central role or as a winger. He currently plays for Wolfsburg, who signed him from Marseille in 2009, and has been a standout performer for both club and country who will be hoping to make an impact in South Africa.
What they said
“Algeria are a strong team and they have good technique, they have many players who play in France, in Italy and in England. This is a sign of the quality of their players.” – Ireland coach Giovanni Trappatoni was full of praise for Algeria after his side beat them in a friendly in May.
What we think
Qualifiers for the third time after eliminating Africa's continental champions Egypt, Saadane's men are defensively solid and are unlikely to be on the end of any thrashings in South Africa. That said, the Desert Foxes have failed to get out of the group stages during their last two finals outings and they will need the same commitment they showed against Egypt to qualify for the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time in their history.Qualification, however, certainly looks too much to ask, in a group where England and the United States will be clear favourites.
