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A to Z of WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA 2010 - Algeria
ALGERIA
This will be the ‘Desert Foxes’ third appearance in the World Cup Finals. They first made it onto the world stage in 1982 in Spain, when they were instrumental in causing FIFA to alter one of its crucial tournament arrangements. Algeria startled everyone, including possibly themselves, when they beat the mighty West Germany 2-1 in their opening Group match. Having played their final Group match the previous day, Algeria could only watch in disgust at the shenanigans which occurred in the last match in their Group. The Germans only needed a 1 or 2 goal victory over their opponents Austria in order for both German speaking countries to progress to the next round. So with the Germans 1-0 up after 10 minutes, the remaining 80 were spent by both sides kicking the ball aimlessly around the pitch to the fury of the spectators, organisers and of course the Algerians. The final score of 1-0 saw West Germany and Austria progress and FIFA change its rules so that in future all final matches in a Group were played simultaneously. Algeria qualified again in 1986 but once more did not make it to the next round. Thereafter they failed to make the Finals until 2010 and incidentally reached their highest ever FIFA rankings (26) in December 2009.
The current squad are managed by Rabah Saadane in his fifth stint as Chief Coach, having led them to the Finals in Mexico in 1986. His right-hand man on the field is captain Yazid Mansavi, currently playing in midfield for French side FC Lorent. Back in 2003/2004 he made 14 appearances for Coventry City. British based players to look out for include Rangers pair Majid Bougherra and Ishmael Bouzid, the Portsmouth duo Nadir Belhadj and Hossan Yebda, as well as Hameur Bouazza of Blackpool and Kamel Ghilas of Hull City.
For these 2010 finals Algeria have been drawn in Group C, alongside England, USA and Slovenia. Their abysmal showing in their opening African Nations Cup (they were thumped 3-0 by rank outsiders Malawi) has been slightly improved by a 1-0 victory over Mali. They need to beat hosts Angola on Monday 18th January if they are to progress to the next round. Failure to do so will do little to improve their World Cup odds. Boylesports have them at 25/1 to win Group C, whilst Victor Chandler are offering odds of 4/1 for them to progress to the next round. Elimination from the African Cup of Nations is likely to see Skybet alter its odds of Algeria not making it beyond Group C from their current price of 1/5. Its definitely time for those Desert Foxes to display some of that legendary cunning!
Posted: Monday, January 18th, 2010 @ 09:01 am by Mark
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