Algeria at the World Cup 2010

Manager: Rabah Saadane
Captain: Yazid Mansouri
FIFA World Ranking: 27
World Cup Appearances: 3
Best World Cup: Round 1 – 1982, 1986

Algeria Team Profile

The Algerians will end a drought of 24 years when they touch down in South Africa for the finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, after their 1-0 win over Egypt in a one-off play-off match secured their status in the biggest global sporting spectacle. They are, however, preparing for their third finals appearance after playing at the 1982 World Cup in Spain and again four years later Mexico. On both occasions, though, Algeria failed to make it past the group stages and will have their work cut out qualifying up against the might of England, the industrious USA and a tricky Slovenia. Can coach Rabah Saadane inspire Algeria to a new personal best – qualification from Group C in South Africa?

Manager

Rabah Saadane, a 64 year-old Algerian with nearly 30 yeats of managerial experience under his belt, guided Algeria to their first World Cup appearance in 24 years, but 2010 in South Africa will be his third stint as at the helm of Algeria in the finals, doing so previously back in 1982 and again in ’86, with the Algerian hierarchy recruiting Saadane’s services purely for the purpose of the finals. In all, this will be Saadane’s fifth separate stint as Algeria coach, although he’s currently enjoying his longest spell after a five year stay with the Algerian national team.

When not at the Algeria helm, Rabah Saadane has focused his international knowledge and nous on domestic football within the African and Asian continents, even masterminding an African Champions League title with Casablanca of Morocco in the 90′s. He’s man a nation clearly entrusts, but after two previous failed attempts to guide Algeria from the groups and into the knock-out stage of a World Cup, will Saadane’s plans be foiled once again for the third time in a row.

Algeria Key Players

From a nation which hasn’t participated in the finals of a World Cup in 24 years, Algeria can make use of some useful individuals, none more so than their Premiership stars. Nadir Belhadj is a bright spark down the left-flank, currently with Portsmouth, possessing plenty of pace and agility, and will provide the forwards with some decent service. In regards to Algerian forwards, Rafik Saifi, a player which plies his trade in France with FC Istres, will carry the burden of a relatively unknown Algerian attack. His 19 international goals in 60 caps makes him a stand-out forward selection for coach Rabah Saadane, although his lack of height and the fact he’s now 35 years-old could see him struggle to assert himself inside the final third against some physically able defenders. Karim Ziani, similar to Belhadj, could be a thorn in the side of some of Algeria’s Group C opponents, with his blistering pace a big asset for Algeria, but it will be central-midfielder and Algeria captain Yazid Mansouri which will look to be the calming influence on a camp which could be forgiven for simply savouring the dizzy height of a World Cup. With 65 caps to his name, Mansouri will head to South Africa with Algeria as the most capped player in the squad, although he’s never scored for his country.

Nickname: Les Fennecs (The Desert Foxes)

Strengths

An abundance of speed and natural agility make Algeria a tricky customer, a side no-one in their right mind should underestimate at the finals. Several of the Algerian first-team have seen their talents recruited by clubs all around Europe, thus proving Algeria have some dangerous and talented individuals. Down the wings, Ziani and Belhadj can be a nuisance, two marauding wingers with absolutely no fear when it comes to charging down the flanks. While after watching a few of their displays during qualifying, they are a team which prefer to play on the counter, putting their raw pace to good use on the break.

Weaknesses

There are more than enough niggles with the Algerians to make one seriously reconsider any potential bet, with their lack of world-classindividuals, lightweight defence and a team full of Algerian based players all a worry. However, our biggest concern with Algeria is their decision making in the final, as well as their general finishing.

We have little doubt Algeria will be a troublesome little outfit in South Africa, even against the more equipped nations. They will bomb down the flanks using their speedy wingers and full-backs to sprint past their markers and reach the touchline in a bid to deliver a good cross, but we watched several hapless performances from Algeria where their finishing was appalling. If ever a side thrived off fluffing their lines it’s Algeria. In those moments were composure and nerve are needed, we wouldn’t have any confidence in Algeria’s forward having an awful lot of either.

Of course, the lack of strength in depth is a huge negative and a factor which will eventually lead to their demise in South Africa.

Algeria Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: Africa
Group: C
Position: 1st
Win-Draw-Lose: 5-1-1
Goals Scored: 10
Goals Conceded: 4

World Cup Potential: 1/5

Algeria will show glimpses of their attacking threat, mainly be virtue of their quick breakaways, but that’s about it. Lively on the break, but unconvincing in the final third and far too weak in defence means Algeria will come unstuck soon enough. Algeria simply don’t have the required talent to remain competitive throughout, and their main aim in South Africa will be to leave with some pride in tact, hopefully by putting in some spirited displays against England and USA. We don’t see them bypassing Group C, as the USA and England look the likely candidates for qualification, while Slovenia will be the crunch game for the Algerian’s as they aim to avoid leaving South Africa empty handed. They’ll do well to pick up some points, while a shock progression into the last-sixteen stage of the competition looks just about impossible.

Algeria World Cup Betting Odds

Algeria to win the World Cup: 2000 PaddyPower

Before the World Cup the odds on Algeria were 600/1 

Official Algeria World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Fawzi Chouachi (ES Sétif)

Lounes Gaouaoui (ASO Chlef)

M’bohi Rais Ouheb (Slavia Sofia)

Defenders

Abdelkader Laifaoui (ES Sétif)

Madjid Bougherra (Glasgow Rangers)

Carl Medjani (Ajaccio)

Rafik Halliche (CD Nacional)

Anther Yahia (VfL Bochum)

Haib Belaid (Boulogne)

Nadir Belhadj (Portsmouth FC)

Djamel Mesbah (Lecce)

Midfielders

Hassan Yebda (Portsmouth FC)

Mehdi Lacen (Racing Santander)

Yazid Mansouri (FC Lorient)

Adlene Guedioura (Charleroi)

Ryad Boudebouz (Sochaux)

Djamel Abdoun (Nantes)

Fouad Kadir (Valenciennes)

Karim Ziani (VfL Wolfsburg)

Strikers

Abdel Kader Ghezzal (AC Siena)

Rafik Djebbour (AEK Athens)

Rafik Saifi (Istres)

Karim Matmour (Monchengladbach)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Algeria Fixtures – Group C

World Cup 2010 Group C - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results

England look to trim World Cup betting odds with convincing win

Of all the things which should be on his mind at the moment, the infamous World Cup ball seems to really be getting to England boss Fabio Capello. The Jubulani ball by Adidas was criticised before the World Cup started, by the likes of Gianluigi Buffon and Iker Casillas. England’s veteran keeper David James has also raised questions about it, along with former England manager Sven Goran-Eriksson. The ball, apparently, behaves irregularly in the air, giving goalkeepers problems. Yes, you know where this is heading. England’s keeper Rob Green, who will forever be remembered for the howler that he conceded against the USA, has said that Clint Dempsey’s shot did move unexpectedly. Green has been admirably brave in facing up to his error, but the big question now, is whether or not that mistake by Green has cost him his starting place for England’s second Group C fixture, which takes place on Friday against Algeria. That is just one of the changes which coach Fabio Capello is supposedly entertaining for the match, after England failed to capitalise and put the USA to the sword as they should have done. While England dominated possession, their lack of pace at the back, and lack of creativity in getting forward, was once again highlighted, as their indifferent pre tournament form carried through to their opening match.

Two other changes which Capello is contemplating, is bringing Gareth Barry back into the side, which should be a no-brainer, now that he is fit again. The other poser for Capello is what to do up front in helping out Wayne Rooney? Will Emile Heskey, who missed the most clear cut chance of the game, be cut? If so, who will be brought in? Will Capello go for the more dynamic option of putting Jermain Defoe in, who has proven that he can score goals, but has never partnered Rooney very well up front for England. There is still the option, now that Barry has recovered from his injured ankle, to move Steven Gerrard in behind lone striker Rooney, a position where he would be a major threat to opposition. But Capello likes his 4-4-2 and that means Gerrard will probably be back out on the left, which takes him out of the game a little. His natural tendency is to drift inside, and that leaves the flank exposed a little bit. That is the most likely scenario though, as Capello will pretty much be back to the midfield that carried England so well through European qualification. There is no doubt that England have missed Barry and can only improve after their stuttering first outing.

Hopefully, Barry will restore some balance to England, and what ever Capello does up front, hopefully it eases some pressure from Wayne Rooney, who has now only netted once in eight international matches for his country. England need Rooney to fire. Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer weighed into the England debate, stating that they have been going backwards in terms of playing ability, resorting to the old kick and rush style that used to be the feature of English football. It’s fair comment to say, that England’s play against the USA, lacked a lot of finesse. England’s lack of pace at the back has also been pinpointed, as Jamie Carragher is expected to start alongside Chelsea’s John Terry. England were exposed by the USA at the back on a couple of occasions, simply because the pace was not there down the middle. Capello’s other options in that position would be Matthew Upson or Michael Dawson, but again, Capello does not like to change things up too much, and if you see a line up of Green, Johnson, Carragher, Terry, Cole, Lennon, Lampard, Barry, Gerrard, Heskey and Rooney on Friday, then do not be too surprised. Why? Because the 4-4-2 is Capello’s A plan, and he seems to be determined to make it work. There is no need for England to panic against the Desert Foxes. They just need to put in a solid passing and moving game, and they will break Algeria down

England World Cup Betting. There are no two ways about this, England need to win, and should. They look a little short on confidence, though, and how much will that affect the comfort level of victory? Let’s look at the Anytime Goal scorer market first. Wayne Rooney is 5/6 at Bet365, Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe are both 7/4 at Bet365, Frank Lampard is 2/1 at Paddy Power, with captain Steven Gerrard 12/5 at Paddy Power. All decent prices there. England to win by one goal is 3/1 at Ladbrokes. England to win by 2 goals is 3/1 at Coral. Fabio Capello’s men have drifted out in World Cup betting outright odds and are now best priced at 17/2 at Bwin. England have a big chance to be positive and start building confidence and momentum.
England Asian Handicap Betting Tip: -1.25 for 4/6 at Paddy Power

Desert Foxes feeling the heat

Algeria may be without goalkeeper Chaouchi for the England match on Friday. The first choice keeper sat out training in midweek after spraining his, and it was his mistake which gave away a goal to Slovenia. A goal that cost Algeria the match. Algeria who have not impressive since their managed to qualify for South Africa 2010, looked way off the pace against European minnows Slovenia in their opening match. It was a battling performance by both teams in the opening match, in which Algeria had Abdelkadaer Ghezzal sent off. Ill discipline also plagued Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier in the year, when they finished their semi final match against Egypt with eight men. They have shown very little in terms of enterprise in getting forward, despite words about them being less cautious in their approach to the England game. While anything can happen, and Algeria may well flood the midfield as they did against Algeria, they should find a top European side much harder work.

Algeria World Cup betting: Tough call to see Algeria contributing much to the match, as they haven’t put forth much optimism for their supporters. Would simply play them on something like the following to potentially make money on them.
Algeria Asian Handicap Betting Tip: +1.75 for 4/5 at Stan James

England v Algeria Betting Odds
England to win: 1/4 at Bet365
Draw: 5/1 at SkyBet
Algeria to win: 14/1 at Victor Chandler

World Cup Group C Teams: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia. England are one of the leaders in outright World Cup Betting to lift the trophy at the World Cup final on July 12th. You chance of picking up ante-post odds on the World cup are diminishing now, as the tournament starts on June 11th with the fixture between hosts nation South Africa and Mexico. So signing up with an online bookmaker right now, can not only bring you some nice welcome bonuses, it will also give you enough time to get your early bets down, as well as follow the progress of the world cup during the forthcoming month. Here you can enjoy another part in our series of looking at the best value bets for the eight individual groups. How big is the threat from the USA? Why do Slovenia represent such good value at the 2010 FIFA World Cup? Find out below:

Slovenia To Qualify: 15/8 at Victor Chandler
For some reason, the Slovenians are flying under the radar in the World Cup group betting, when they should be a lot stronger. The USA are dominating the betting in the race for second spot, but there is more to Slovenia than may meet the initial eye, and in planning your World Cup betting strategy, they are worth keeping an eye on. They showed a lot of potential during European Qualification, where they finished second in their group behind Slovakia, who Slovenia beat twice. Then coming through a tough qualification playoff against Russia, the Slovenians showed that they have an immense amount of spirit and fight, as well as quality. Therefore they should certainly not be discounted, even if they are new on the scene, and the big match in this group could come when they take on the USA. That should be a match for second spot in all reality, and where the USA also play with a lot of vim and vigor, they do not have as much technical ability in their squad as Slovenia. Therefore, check out the best bookmakers for Betting on the World Cup and look for options on Slovenia. This one represents great value, as they have the ability.

Most Group Stage Goals Scored: England 3/10 at Bwin
No, not great odds, but it is difficult to see where they will be beaten. Slovenia should be the next threat in this World Cup betting category, but as England proved through qualification, they were rampant in front of goal against weaker opposition. They have also been scoring in their international friendly warm up matches ahead of the tournament, even without putting their World Cup eleven out. Wayne Rooney is expected to firmly be in the running for the top goalscorer in the tournament, and so why would you bet against England topping this betting category. While the odds are not fantastic, they are at least realistic and that means it should be something of relatively safe bet. These are the kind of bets that you can look at in building up a multiple bet if you are doing a lot of group betting. Both of the USA and Algeria are considerably light up front, and therefore, combined with England being the strong seeded team, they should have a clear run at being top goalscorers in the group.

Not to Qualify: USA 6/5 at BetFred
This may look something of a brave bet, as World Cup Odds have really shown no signs going against the USA to finish second. But Bob Bradley’s men look as if they still have a great deal to do in order to catch up with the European standard of football, and that puts them on the back burner against group rivals England and Slovenia. The step up to the World stage could be a step too far for them this time, even though they can call on a lot of players who ply their trade in Europe. There appears to be a tactical frailty against them, but they will try and paper over any cracks their with their unbound confidence. There is a lot of work to do for the USA to make an impact, and they could be in for a bigger shock than they expected. They do not have the edge over Slovenia, and that puts them at great risk in not being able to qualify. They face England in their first fixture, and a strong victory for Fabio Capello’s England there, could mean that the uphill struggle from there on out in the group stage, could be even greater with their confidence bruised.

To Finish Second: Slovenia 5/2 at Paddy Power
Again this is simply backing up some of the above bets, and this one represents good value with your online betting for the World Cup. They had one of the best defensive records in the European qualification zone, conceding just 6 goals in their campaign. That means they are a strong defensive side, as well as possessing good discipline. There should be a clear contrast in the inexperienced USA side charging around, to the technical ability and passing game that Slovenia bring to the table. No, they are not packed with household names, but they have the ability to reach the second round, and at a price such as above, some good value on World Cup betting can be found on them. England are expected to win the group, and in the grand scheme of things, Slovenia look to be the best of the other three teams.

Most Group Goals Conceded: Algeria Evens at Bwin
Algeria totally lost their grip on discipline in the African Cup of Nations, finishing their semi final match against rivals Egypt with just eight men. They looked terribly short of any quality going forward during that tournament, and recently lost an international friendly to the Republic of Ireland. There is not a lot of threat coming from the North Africans, and to see them finish bottom and having conceded the most amount of goals in doing so, certainly is not beyond the realms of reality. At a decent price of Evens, it is worth backing that up.

International Friendly: Republic of Ireland 3, Algeria 0. Anyone betting on England at the World Cup will be feeling some comfort, and well may England themselves have been cheered by the fact that World Cup Group C opponents Algeria took a heavy defeat at the hands of the Republic of Ireland on Friday night. The International Friendly match, played out as an easy win for the Republic, with two goals from Robbie Keane, and one by Paul Green. The game was dominated by the Irish, who have now beaten Paraguay and Algeria in their friendlies, as coach Giovanni Trappatoni starts his preparations for Euro 2012 qualification, which starts later in the year. Algeria, who had a less than impressive time at the African Cup of Nations in January, are not expected to make much impact at South Africa 2010, and this result and performance will have aggrandised that point perfectly. While stubborn at times in the African Cup of Nation, they lacked a quality or punch going forward.

It should mean that England, Slovenia and the USA won’t be challenged too hard for the qualification spots from Group C at the World Cup. World Cup Betting tips were leaning towards the USA taking second spot behind England anyway, with Algeria the rank outsiders to get out of the group. But with Slovenia, perhaps being understated in the group, the race for second place could well be on. England prepared for their World Cup fixture with an international friendly against Egypt, just so Fabio Capello could expose his side to a North African nation. England won that comfortably, and should have no fears over Algeria in their World Cup fixtures. Algeria start their World Cup matches against Slovenia before moving on to face the USA and then finishing off against group favourites England.
 

Manager: Rabah Saadane
Captain: Yazid Mansouri
FIFA World Ranking: 27
World Cup Appearances: 3
Best World Cup: Round 1 – 1982, 1986

Algeria Team Profile

The Algerians will end a drought of 24 years when they touch down in South Africa for the finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, after their 1-0 win over Egypt in a one-off play-off match secured their status in the biggest global sporting spectacle. They are, however, preparing for their third finals appearance after playing at the 1982 World Cup in Spain and again four years later Mexico. On both occasions, though, Algeria failed to make it past the group stages and will have their work cut out qualifying up against the might of England, the industrious USA and a tricky Slovenia. Can coach Rabah Saadane inspire Algeria to a new personal best – qualification from Group C in South Africa?

Manager

Rabah Saadane, a 64 year-old Algerian with nearly 30 yeats of managerial experience under his belt, guided Algeria to their first World Cup appearance in 24 years, but 2010 in South Africa will be his third stint as at the helm of Algeria in the finals, doing so previously back in 1982 and again in ’86, with the Algerian hierarchy recruiting Saadane’s services purely for the purpose of the finals. In all, this will be Saadane’s fifth separate stint as Algeria coach, although he’s currently enjoying his longest spell after a five year stay with the Algerian national team.

When not at the Algeria helm, Rabah Saadane has focused his international knowledge and nous on domestic football within the African and Asian continents, even masterminding an African Champions League title with Casablanca of Morocco in the 90′s. He’s man a nation clearly entrusts, but after two previous failed attempts to guide Algeria from the groups and into the knock-out stage of a World Cup, will Saadane’s plans be foiled once again for the third time in a row.

Algeria Key Players

From a nation which hasn’t participated in the finals of a World Cup in 24 years, Algeria can make use of some useful individuals, none more so than their Premiership stars. Nadir Belhadj is a bright spark down the left-flank, currently with Portsmouth, possessing plenty of pace and agility, and will provide the forwards with some decent service. In regards to Algerian forwards, Rafik Saifi, a player which plies his trade in France with FC Istres, will carry the burden of a relatively unknown Algerian attack. His 19 international goals in 60 caps makes him a stand-out forward selection for coach Rabah Saadane, although his lack of height and the fact he’s now 35 years-old could see him struggle to assert himself inside the final third against some physically able defenders. Karim Ziani, similar to Belhadj, could be a thorn in the side of some of Algeria’s Group C opponents, with his blistering pace a big asset for Algeria, but it will be central-midfielder and Algeria captain Yazid Mansouri which will look to be the calming influence on a camp which could be forgiven for simply savouring the dizzy height of a World Cup. With 65 caps to his name, Mansouri will head to South Africa with Algeria as the most capped player in the squad, although he’s never scored for his country.

Nickname: Les Fennecs (The Desert Foxes)

Strengths

An abundance of speed and natural agility make Algeria a tricky customer, a side no-one in their right mind should underestimate at the finals. Several of the Algerian first-team have seen their talents recruited by clubs all around Europe, thus proving Algeria have some dangerous and talented individuals. Down the wings, Ziani and Belhadj can be a nuisance, two marauding wingers with absolutely no fear when it comes to charging down the flanks. While after watching a few of their displays during qualifying, they are a team which prefer to play on the counter, putting their raw pace to good use on the break.

Weaknesses

There are more than enough niggles with the Algerians to make one seriously reconsider any potential bet, with their lack of world-classindividuals, lightweight defence and a team full of Algerian based players all a worry. However, our biggest concern with Algeria is their decision making in the final, as well as their general finishing.

We have little doubt Algeria will be a troublesome little outfit in South Africa, even against the more equipped nations. They will bomb down the flanks using their speedy wingers and full-backs to sprint past their markers and reach the touchline in a bid to deliver a good cross, but we watched several hapless performances from Algeria where their finishing was appalling. If ever a side thrived off fluffing their lines it’s Algeria. In those moments were composure and nerve are needed, we wouldn’t have any confidence in Algeria’s forward having an awful lot of either.

Of course, the lack of strength in depth is a huge negative and a factor which will eventually lead to their demise in South Africa.

Algeria Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: Africa
Group: C
Position: 1st
Win-Draw-Lose: 5-1-1
Goals Scored: 10
Goals Conceded: 4

World Cup Potential: 1/5

Algeria will show glimpses of their attacking threat, mainly be virtue of their quick breakaways, but that’s about it. Lively on the break, but unconvincing in the final third and far too weak in defence means Algeria will come unstuck soon enough. Algeria simply don’t have the required talent to remain competitive throughout, and their main aim in South Africa will be to leave with some pride in tact, hopefully by putting in some spirited displays against England and USA. We don’t see them bypassing Group C, as the USA and England look the likely candidates for qualification, while Slovenia will be the crunch game for the Algerian’s as they aim to avoid leaving South Africa empty handed. They’ll do well to pick up some points, while a shock progression into the last-sixteen stage of the competition looks just about impossible.

Algeria World Cup Betting Odds

Algeria to win the World Cup: 2000 PaddyPower

Before the World Cup the odds on Algeria were 600/1 

Official Algeria World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Fawzi Chouachi (ES Sétif)

Lounes Gaouaoui (ASO Chlef)

M’bohi Rais Ouheb (Slavia Sofia)

Defenders

Abdelkader Laifaoui (ES Sétif)

Madjid Bougherra (Glasgow Rangers)

Carl Medjani (Ajaccio)

Rafik Halliche (CD Nacional)

Anther Yahia (VfL Bochum)

Haib Belaid (Boulogne)

Nadir Belhadj (Portsmouth FC)

Djamel Mesbah (Lecce)

Midfielders

Hassan Yebda (Portsmouth FC)

Mehdi Lacen (Racing Santander)

Yazid Mansouri (FC Lorient)

Adlene Guedioura (Charleroi)

Ryad Boudebouz (Sochaux)

Djamel Abdoun (Nantes)

Fouad Kadir (Valenciennes)

Karim Ziani (VfL Wolfsburg)

Strikers

Abdel Kader Ghezzal (AC Siena)

Rafik Djebbour (AEK Athens)

Rafik Saifi (Istres)

Karim Matmour (Monchengladbach)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Algeria Fixtures – Group C

World Cup Group C - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results

World Cup Group of Algeria