Algeria’s World Cup Overview

Algeria (Fennec Foxes) in Brazil……..

They messed up the party for West Africans by knocking out Burkina Faso on a 3-3 aggregate. This ensured that not all CAF representation in the 2014 Fifa World Cup would be from West Africa. Algeria came into the final stage of qualifications on a 5-0-1 (W-D-L) record.

This will mark Algeria’s 4th participation in the Fifa World Cup, and the 1990 continental champions are in this competition to enhance their record of not getting beyond the preliminary stage.

The celebration for their World Cup qualification was wild enough to cost the lives of  12 people across and injuries to over 200 others across the nation. That is a loss that can’t be restored. In honor of their faithfuls, the team will be seeking for a sweeter end.

The Venom

Silimani

Spearheading the attack will be Algeria’s goal-getter, Islam Slimani. He was responsible for the majority of Algeria’s goals in their quest to qualify for the world cup. Although he is not a starter at his club (Sporting Lisbon), his goal to game ratio is a decent one.

El Arbi Hillel Soudani will be another player up front to play as a focal point for Algerian offensive plan.

The Control and Support

As usual, teams that are not star studded do not have an attractive line up in their midfield. Fortunately, the game is not played on paper. Algeria has supportive players in the core of their formation.

Medhi Lacen

Players like Getafe’s Medhi Lacen will available to control the core of the team, playing as dispatcher and pace setter. Hasan Yebda is another key player in the middle that will stand out if he accompany the team to Brazil.

Other key midfielders to note will be Sofiane Feghouli, Mehdi Mostefa and Adlene Guedioura; they will be key to sustaining the mentality of the Algerian team.

The Bouncers

Restricting opposition offense will be key for the team. It is quite an open group when it come to attack. To do so, Algeria will be looking for the services of Madjid Bougherra, Djamel Mesbah, and Carl Medjani

Djamel Mesbah

So what is it for Algeria? How will they fare?

The strikes are against this team. They haven’t won a major tournament without hosting it. Their record in the competition does not point up.  It will be a risky but rewarding bet to place on Algeria advancement from Group H.

With all that said, there is only one direction this team can go, and that is up. They might not be star studded, but they have proven to be resilient in the qualifications. That mentality can help them salvage points from this group. This is how futbol goes, there will always be some drama, suspense and surprises. And that is why we will have to be watching to see if Algeria will make any of their advantage during the course of the tournament, count.