Algeria

With only 35 days left before the World Cup in South Africa commences, it is only right to provide a run-through of the teams involved in the greatest show on earth. Heading the list is a team that is likely to be one of the first catching a return flight back to their homeland once the group stages have finished – Algeria.

However, just getting to the World Cup is an achievement in itself, with Algeria only been represented in the finals in Spain ‘82 and Mexico’ 86. In the 6 matches they have partaken in, the Desert Foxes have averaged a goal a game and have conceded just under 2 per match. Yet, this does not tell the true story. In Mexico, the campaign was a slight disappointment, having lost 1-0 to Brazil, 3-0 to Spain and with a 1-1 draw against Northern Ireland all they could muster. The 1982 World Cup though, proved a different story.

The Algerian’s won their first ever World Cup match against none other but the current European Champions West Germany, recording a famous 2-1 victory. The side then went on to lose to Austria 2-0, before narrowly beating the groups whipping boys Chile, 3-2. Therefore, if Germany were to beat Austria, all three countries – Algeria, Austria and West Germany – would end on 6 points, meaning that goal difference counted. A 1-0 victory for West Germany against Austria the day after Algeria’s game against Chile would mean that both the European sides would progress, so when West Germany went 1-0 up after 10 minutes, both sides appeared to come to unofficial agreement to kick the ball aimlessly around for the remaining 80minutes, meaning Algeria went out. This match is why the final group stage games are played simultaneously, to prevent teams fixing the result.

As for the road to South Africa, Algeria made it after overcoming bitter rivals Egypt 1-0 in a play-off match, having lost to the Pharaohs merely four days previously in the group stages of qualifying. Egypt did exact their revenge in the African Cup of Nations thrashing their North African counter-parts 4-0 on route to lifting the trophy. Encouragingly for England, who are one of the teams in Group C with Algeria, a friendly with Egypt at Wembley in March ended in a 3-1 victory to the home side.

England are the seeded side in Group C with the two remaining places being filled by Slovenia and, potentially, Algeria’s main challengers to progression, the USA. This is undoubtedly one of the supposedly easier groups in South Africa, yet England should progress leaving a straight fight between the other three nations for that final qualifying spot. Slovenia will provide an even match whilst the USA have become a dogged force in World football, having reached the quarter-finals in 2002 before being knocked out in the “Group of Death” in 2006. Although, they did achieve the accolade of being the only team who did not lose to eventual champions Italy, in a 1-1 draw.

Rabah Saadane managers the African side who, for the ladies out there, play in a bland white home strip. If colour is what you imagine when you think of South Africa, be prepared to be disappointed with Group C as England, Slovenia and the USA also all play in white... Let’s hope the football is more imaginative.

Unlike the manager, the current squad does house some recognisable names with Bougherra (Rangers), Belhadj (Portsmouth), Yebda (Portsmouth), Ghilas (Hull City) and Guedioura (Wolves) all hopefuls for South Africa. Bougherra and Belhadj will create some stability in defence however, both are effectively French rejects choosing to play for the country of their fathers, instead of the country they represented at International Under 23 and 18 level, respectively. Yebda will no doubt make his presence felt in the centre of midfield, yet a failure to start consistently for Portsmouth tells its own story. The same goes for Ghilas, who despite signs of promise at the beginning of the season, has failed to play a more prominent role in preventing Hull City for regulation.

35 year old Istres striker Rafik Saifi is the highest scorer in the current side, on a measly 18 goals. However, if Algeria are going to progress past the group stages for the first time in their nation’s history, the French Ligue 2 striker may provide the required experience to slot away any potential opportunity of a goal whilst also keeping a cool head. Unlike the players who competed in the last competitive game for Algeria, the African Cup of Nations semi-final against Egypt, where Rafik Halliche, Nadir Belhadj and Fawzi Chaouchi all saw red.

So the Desert Foxes are no doubt just glad to be at World Cup in 2010. Which is lucky as realistically, with their main stars being French international rejects coupled with the fact that some of them play for teams who just got relegated from the Premiership, they stand little chance of remaining in South Africa come 24th June. However, against three sides they have never competed against in International football, they may provide some surprise and advance to the second round, where they will undoubtedly go out.