Algeria World Cup bets

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

USA v Algeria Betting Odds

USA to win: Evens at Bet365
Draw: 11/4 at Ladbrokes
Algeria to win: 3/1 at Ladbrokes

USA

The USA totally have their destiny in their own hands, they will need to go out and push hard for a win over Algeria on Wednesday, knowing that the three points will take them into the last sixteen of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It all sounds easy, but Algeria’s stubborn performance against England, just suggested that the USA may have harder work on their hands than they would have hoped. The USA and coach Bob Bradley will still be reeling from the disallowed goal which robbed them of a miraculous comeback against Slovenia. Being down 2-0 at half time and having been completely out played, Bradley bravely changed things at half time, and, throwing caution to the win, clawed their way back into match. Maurice Edu looked as if he had netted a remarkable winner, only for the referee to have inexplicably ruled it out. But the USA should be grateful all the same for the point which they did get, which looked highly unlikely at half time. While the Americans play with a lot of energy and determination, more often that not, it is the simple things which let them down, like defensive positioning and poor passing.

The midfield again was non-existent in the first half of the match against Slovenia, as the European side passed their way quickly past it. The Americans were left chasing the game after allowing a Slovenia an eternity on the ball when they were in dangerous attacking positions. That is one area Bradley will have to tighten up, and he will also be looking for more help from his forwards, after the midfielders again rescued the situation. Main striker Jozy Altidore is the epitome of the USA team, plenty of running but little quality when it comes to the end product. There may be a temptation to throw in Edson Buddle for the final game, who was performing well in the USA build up to the World Cup, when Altidore was recovering from injury. A lot of the weaknesses of the Americans are covered up by their team spirit and energy, and all to often they fall behind in matches and have to claw their way back. If they do that against the Algeria, then the worry is that at some point, a full recovery will not be able to be enacted. The USA will start as favourites against Algeria, but the could have a tough afternoon on their hands.

Algeria

The North Africans showed a marked improvement in performance when then played England, even though they are still struggling to find the back of the net. They easily contained a lacklustre England, and looked the more dangerous of the two sides on the break. Their passing was much more accurate, and they actually took quite a positive approach to the match, not afraid to take England on. In Algeria’s first match, they simply put a lot of men in the midfield to try and close out the match, which didn’t work in their favour as the game was a poor quality midfield scrap, which Algeria lost 1-0. The group outsiders will have taken a lot of heart from their unexpected point gained against England, and they will now fancy their chances of taking out the USA, and playing their way into playoff contention. It could happen. With three points for themselves and an England defeat against Slovenia, Algeria could head to the last sixteen with Slovenia, turning the expected outcome in Group C on its head.

The problem for Algeria is that they lack goal scoring power, and their game is naturally defensive. It is hard to even picture them scoring a comfortable two goals, although their forwards will have an easier time against the USA than either England or Slovenia who are more defensively sound. The danger from the Algerians will come in their defensive football, especially if they can get their noses in front, then they could shut up shop and hold out. The North Africans will start the match as underdogs in World Cup betting, but they should grow in confidence, and perhaps come out of their shell even more now that there is nothing left to lose. They are bottom of the group going into the final matches with just a point, but a tight game could see them end up with four.

Asian Handicap Betting Tip: There is a harsh stat which will give the USA a lot of hope that even one goal could be enough. Algeria have only scored 1 goal in their last seven matches, so naturally you will back the USA to win this match. One could be more than enough for the USA, but they need to concentrate much better than they have done at the back in their two matches so far. They will need to watch for quick counter attacks.
USA -0.75 for 7/5 at Paddy Power

Current USA V Algeria Odds:

Slovenians Hold Aces In Crucial Opening Fixture

This will be a great chance for relative newcomers Slovenia to create a historic World Cup moment for themselves, as they European nation take on Algeria on Sunday looking for their first World Cup victory. This is an important match for both of these teams, with significantly tougher tests to come for both nations against Fabio Capello’s England and Bob Bradley USA in Group C. So this is the big, perhaps most realistic chance to get three points under their belt, and the expectations and betting, should be leaning towards Slovenia. The Slovenians proved to be something of a surprise quantity through European qualification, as they finished as Runner’s Up to Slovakia, and then went and battled their way through a play-off situation against the strong Russians. They also beat group winners Slovakia twice in the group, and there is a lot of promise that their, physical play combined with technical passing abilities will be able to serve them well. They should certainly be able to make the most of their initial chance against Algeria, and then the big match in what should be the race for second place in Group C, will come when Slovenia face the USA.

Coach Matjas Kek will be taking his nation into only their second tournament, after failing in 2002 to get a single point in the group stage. This time they are back and look a lot stronger, and they should be able to dominate proceedings when the game kicks off as Sunday’s first World Cup action of the day. Whoever loses points in this match, would see their chances of getting out of the group on the backburner after one game. But with so much pressure on the game, those early tournament nerves may kick in and the games peters out to an edgy nervous affair, and if that happens, it won’t suit the Slovenians as much. Their game is getting the ball down and playing it around the park. They have had a quiet and understated build up, not pitting their wits against tough opposition, beating Qatar and New Zealand in their warm up matches. The main threat of goals will come from striker Milijove Novakovic and forward pace man Zlatko Dedic, who netted the all important goal against Russia which took Slovenia to the World Cup finals. Slovenia showed that they can defend, conceding only six goals during qualification, while averaging themselves two goals scored per game. No, they may not have the household names, but they should not be overlooked betting. Certainly not in betting for this match.

Goals Deserting Desert Foxes

Algeria coach Rabah Saadabe really has his work cut out for him. Algeria have had a poor year, so make no mistake about it, they are the weakest side in this group. After scrapping past Egypt in the play off to get to the World Cup, things have gone downhill for Algeria. They had a torrid time at the African Cup of Nations, struggling for goals, and struggling to keep their discipline and composure. Their build up to the World Cup has not been anywhere near impressive, as they have lost heavily to Serbia and the Republic of Ireland along the way. They will likely be without one of their most influential players, captain Yazid Mansouri who is battling against fitness. Algeria, even when they are on their game, they are not an expansive attacking side at all. Their game plan is simply to grind down and wear out the opposition, with a large emphasis on the defensive side of the game.

They way this game should go, is that Algeria would be happy with playing out a dull 1-0 victory. That is their style, but the trouble is, it is a style which is getting them into trouble, as they are simply not good enough to pull it off against good opposition, who show a bit of flair in creativity. The encounter may be a bit of a bruising one, and it may well get bogged down in midfield. But most of the initiative will probably come from the European side, as they look confident and should fancy their chances of finishing in second place, a lot more than Algeria would be. The two sides have never met each other, but Slovenia edge the stats, edge the form, and edge the quality throughout the squad. Therefore, they should be good for backing as a straight win, or at least a Draw No Bet in your World Cup betting strategy.

Slovenia v Algeria Betting Odds and Stats

Last 5 Matches
Slovenia 3, New Zealand 1
Slovenia 4, Qatar 1
Slovenia 1, Russia 0
Russia 2, Slovenia 1
San Marino 0, Slovenia 3

Algeria 1, USA 0
Ireland 3, Algeria 0
Algeria 0, Serbia 3
Nigeria 1, Algeria 0
Egypt 4, Algeria 0

Last 5 Match Goals
Slovenia: 12 For, 4 Against
Algeria: 1 For, 11 Against

Recent Stats
Slovenia: P50, W17, D10, L23 with a 34.0% win percentage
Algeria: P15, W5, D3, L7 with a 33.3% win percentage

World Cup Stats
Slovenia: P3, W0, D0, L3, GF2, GA7
Algeria: P6, W2, D1, L3, GF6, GA10

Last 10 Match Form
Slovenia: LWLWWWLWWW
Algeria: WLWDDLLLLW

Match Odds
Slovenia to win: 13/10 at William Hill
Draw: 23/10 at Ladbrokes
Algeria to win: 13/5 at Coral

Asian Handicap Betting Tip: Algeria struggled for goals at the African Cup of nations, and there doesn’t seem to be much improvement on that front, and against a tight Slovenia defence, it’s hard to see them making much of an impact. The ball really is in Slovenia’s court for this one, and therefore wouldn’t be too afraid of backing them. Would probably push the boat out to a Slovenia -0.75 at 8/5 at Bet365, or if you want a little more security, then Slovenia -0.25 is still a decent 19/20 at Bet365 too.
 

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.
 

June 11th is the kick off for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and with a printable World Cup fixtures chart, you can plan a route to the final. Naturally there is a desire to back your own nation with betting on the World Cup. Why? Patriotic betting is always a pleasure, as it furthers the excitement and dreams of seeing your nations captain lifting the World Cup. Out of thirty two teams in with a chance at the start of the tournament, the first stage in supporting your nation is cheering them on through the group stages. That means there are at least three guaranteed matches for all teams, but it is once your team has either won the group, or finished second in order to qualify for the second round, it is always good to see just who your nation could run in to.

When you have a World Cup Wall chart laid out in front of you then you see the two alternative paths which your nation could take to the World Cup final. It is going to either go one of two ways. Either your team wins the group and plays the runner’s up of the neighbouring group, or the situation will be reversed. This is all important in the grand scheme of things, as it could send your team to either half of the draw. By looking at a FIFA 2010 World Cup Wall chart, which you can download here, your betting chances can be enhanced. For example, are England likely to run into European Champions and World Cup favourites Spain, or will Fabio Capello’s men be on a collision course with the mighty Brazil? These are the things which can be worked out with a printable World Cup fixtures chart.

Of course there are no certainties, but if a team is likely to have to play both Spain and Brazil before the semi finals of the competition, then their odds will be extended. By looking at the favourites in each group, you can surmise who will be progressing, and at what point your nation will come up against opposition that is invariably tougher than some of the group opponents. While a wall chart planner will aid you in seeing your favourite nation progress through the tournament, it is also a good way to try and spot those underdogs. For example, a second placed team who may come up against the likes of France in the first knockout stage, a side who are often on shaky ground, will have an increased chance of progressing to the quarter finals than if they were playing someone like Holland. Can one of the strong South American contingent find a secure route to the latter stages?

So here is the link to your printable World Cup fixtures chart, which is in PDF format and downloadable for free. From the group stages, with a full list of dates and matches, you can start planning who will end up against who, and start getting your bets down on the 2010 FIFA World Cup if you have not already done so!

Group C World Cup Betting Preview: Only two of the sides in Group C have met before in the World Cup, so a lot of new ground will be broken in June. There is plenty of excitement and betting to come though from the group, which houses one of the World Cup favourites, as long as their star striker stays healthy.

World Cup Teams: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia

England will be relatively happy with the 2010 FIFA World Cup draw which they received. The best World Cup Bookmakers have England, who are managed by Fabio Capello, down as one of the favourites to lift the coveted trophy this year, and the draw they received favoured them. A certain David Beckham was at the draw, and watched with interest as the United States were drawn in the same group as England. Beckham of course plies his trade with LA Galaxy, but his World Cup dreams have been ended with an injury while playing on loan with AC Milan. More injury worries have arisen over star striker Wayne Rooney, who turned over his ankle while playing for his club Manchester United in the Champions League. All eyes will now be on his recovery, not thought to be deemed as serious and only minor, he could still miss United’s most crucial part of the domestic season. However, all England fans will be chewing their nails at the sight of Wayne Rooney on crutches, as most of England’s World Cup dreams rest on his shoulders. He has been in scintillating form for club and country this season, and as a genuine world class striker, England will rely on his special talents to fire them towards the World Cup final on July 11th. It was his nine goals during qualification which made England so strong. England, thanks to a strong qualification have consistently been amongst the forerunners as favourites for the World Cup. Indeed World Cup betting odds have shortened over the past six months, with England standing around third favourite behind Brazil and Spain. There is one piece of World Cup history that stands out in this group, as the USA famously beat England at the 1950 World Cup 1-0. That piece of history, along with David Beckham’s link with US soccer has brought a lot of hype to Group C, even if, in all honesty, it is one of the weaker groups. England World Cup Fixtures in South Africa, starts with their opener against the USA in Rustenburg on June 12th. Following that, they face Algeria, and round up the group matches against European opposition, Slovenia. The USA topped their CONCACAF qualification zone, but lost games to both Mexico and Honduras along the way, and looked very unconvincing at times. Top scorer for them was Jose Altidore, whose abilities have looked a little out of place in the Premier League with Hull, and that says a lot about the threat they could pose up front in the World Cup. They have lost Charlie Davies and that will make them even weaker up front. They performed well at the FIFA Confederations Cup, beating Spain and losing 3-2 to Brazil in the final. They are unlikely to cause much of a threat in 2010, based on their performances during qualification. African participants in Group C, Algeria had only one good performance at the African Cup of Nations in January, and that was a 3-2 victory over  favourites Ivory Coast. Up until then, Algeria had only managed to score one goal in their three group matches, conceding three, but still managed to qualify as runner-up out the weakest group at the tournament. They then disgraced themselves in the semi finals against old foes Egypt (who won the African Cup of Nations will a lot of style), losing 4-0 and finishing the match with 8 players. Qualification for the World Cup was at the expense of Egypt, after Algeria won 1-0 in a play-off. That sudden death play-off came after Egypt had beaten Algeria 2-0 in the final game of the group, leaving both teams with exact equal records. Slovenia have the potential to wrap up second spot in Group C quite comfortably. If they get off to a good winning start against Algeria, then confidence should be high. Slovenia beat the much fancied Russians in a European play-off to reach South Africa 2010, after finishing second in their group to Slovakia. Slovenia finished with the second best defensive record in European qualification, and look to be a solid, technical side, which should have the ability to secure second place because England if things go to plan. All eyes will be on the group opener though between England v USA as pundits take trips down memory lane, and expectant England fans await to see just who boss Fabio Capello can field on the day. Hopefully Wayne Rooney is one of them.

Group B Betting Stats (World Cup History form in brackets)
(Final outcomes of Golden Goal, Extra Time and Penalty Shoot Out results count as wins or losses)

England: Relatively unknown territory for England during the group stage of this World Cup. Obviously there is that result from 1950 against the USA which everyone will be talking about, but it will have no bearing on what happens in South Africa. England have never played Algeria or Slovenia in the World Cup, but will be buoyed with their friendly victory over the strong Egyptian side. (P55, W25, D14, L16)

USA: Will use that victory over England as a dressing room team talk before their opening match, but should not be able to come close to England. They have provided some exciting moment during World Cup history, but not as strong as they have been in the past. They have no World Cup history against Slovenia or Algeria. (P25, W6, D3, L16)

Algeria: Virgin territory for the African entrants against all three competitors in Group Three. Wooden spoon material. (P6, W2, D1, L3)

Slovenia: Have the technical ability to do well, as displayed in their qualifying group matches against Slovakia and then in the play-offs against Russia. Have only made one previous World Cup appearance in Korea/Japan 2002. For a nation so young on the international stage, this is quite an achievement. (P3, W0, D0, L3)

World Cup Group C - Table

Group Stage Fixture List

World Cup Betting at Bet365 for Outright Winner of Group C, has the USA at 9/2, Slovenia at 9/1, Algeria at 15/1 and England are favourites at 1/3 (and 11/2 to Win the World Cup Outright).

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