Analysis for Algeria Wining the football world cup
Algeria is one of 6 African nations aiming to make a splash in the 2010 World Cup, the first to be ever hosted in Africa. The Fennecs (desert foxes) have a chance to go past the group stage.
Can Algeria win the World Cup?
No, Algeria will not win the World Cup. Algeria is coming back to the competition after a 24-year absence, a true delight for a soccer-mad nation. After analyzing the team, it would seem very difficult to see Algeria go far in the tournament. Their lack of experience, Mourad Meghni out with a knee injury, injuries to important players (Bougherra, Yahia, Yedba and Matmour), or a lack of offense do not give much cause for optimism. However, if the top of the world is out of reach for the Fennecs, making it past the group stage is not out of reach. They will fight Slovenia and USA for the second spot, behind favorite England.
With tough as nail attitude and team work, this team with no star can surprise any opponent thanks to its technical quality and speed of its key players (Ziani, Matmour and Belhadj). But they will need to handle the pressure that comes with a World Cup with a fanatic country pushing them to win. Rabah Saadane, their coach says, "Our qualification will permit our country to return to World soccer scene. It is an honor to be back. I am touched by the happiness we have brought to our people. It is an excellent example for our youth. "
Algeria won the 1990 African Cup of Nations at home but the North African country has shined in the World Cup. In the 80's, the team led by Lakhdar Belloumi, Salah Assad and Rabah Madjer played in 2 World Cups in 1982 and 1986).At its first participation in 1982, Algeria beat West Germany (2-1) and Chile (3-2) but saw its hopes of making it past the group stage after a controversial game between West Germany and Austria. After a long absence from international soccer due to a decade of civil unrest and terrorism in the 1990's, the Algerian team is still inconsistent. It is able to beat the Ivory Coast 3-2 in the 2010 ACN, Uruguay 1-0 and even beat Egypt during the World qualifiers. They also 3-0 to Malawi, Serbia and most recently against Ireland.
Players to look at
In a team where team work is the key to success, it is hard to pinpoint individual players. However Nadir Belhadj can wreak havoc in his opponents' defense on the left side and is very precious on free kicks with which he can set up Antar Yahia, Rafik Halliche and Madjid Bougherra. The ex-Lyon player, currently with Portsmouth, will need to play better defensively. Up front, Abdelkader Ghezzal will play as a pivot and will have a key role in a team with few strikers with only Rafik Saifi and Rafik Djebbour. Karim Matmour and Karim Ziani can make the difference with their speed, passing abilities and will be able to influence the game. With Mourad Meghni out, Ryad Boudebouz will have his impact on the team. The young Sochaux player can provide an excellent support on the attack from the right side with his magical left foot. Another player to watch is Lecce's Djamel Mesbah who can play as a left back or a left midfield player.
Abdelkader Ghezzal says, "It is clear that a win against Slovenia will permit us to play the next two games with more confidence, against England and USA. But we have to admit at the World Cup, there will be no easy games. England needs no introduction as it is one of the favorites to win the World Cup.On our side, we are conscious of the task waiting for us and we are very motivated to defend our national colors."
Schedule
June 13th : Algeria - Slovenia
June 18th : England - Algeria
June 23rd : USA - Algeria
Potential opponents in the round of 16: Germany, Australia, Serbia or Ghana.
Tags: