World Cup Group C preview: Algeria v Slovenia
Sunday could be a crucial day for the Group C runners-up place as Algeria and Slovenia face-off in what is really a must win for both teams.
With England and the United States the other two teams in the group, Sunday represents the best chance for both of these teams to claim three points. General consensus has England and the US taking the top two spots but if one of the two teams on Sunday can claim three points, then second place could quite well be on the cards.
On paper both teams don't realistically have a chance of qualifying, but let's not forget they are both here on merit - there are no easy games in the World Cup.
Both teams have a similar make up, in the sense that they both play as strong units, with maybe Algeria being the more technically gifted of the two sides. If one of the two nations does make it out of the first round it will be a first, with Algeria's previous best coming in 1986 and Slovenia's in 2002.
Individual talent isn't something you should be looking out for, but there are some players who could stand out.
Slovenia's Zlatko Dedic could be the one to provide the spark up front for his team. He scored the winning goal against Russia to take Slovenia to the finals and though he didn't have the best season with Bochum in the Bundesliga he can still be the difference maker.
Equally Slovenia will need Udinese's goalkeeper Samir Handanovic to perform at a high level to even stand a chance of qualifying. He's a good shot stopper but does lack in some fundamentals, that said he could be the key.
Algeria lost to Egypt 4-0 at the African Cup of Nations this year but don't forget Egypt are a very strong side when it comes to competition play; shame they can't lift their play in World Cup qualification. But If Rangers' Madjid Bougherra and Portsmouth's Nadir Belhadj can form a solid partnership down the left side of defence, then Slovenia could find it hard to break them down.
Captain Yazid Mansouri was dropped by head coach Rabah Saadane, which is a blow
considering he is their most experienced midfielder. Saadane however, says it will
benefit his team.
"I am at the World Cup and I have to make a decision based on tactics and football. He is not in good form at the moment," he said.
Whether or not it was the right decision will be revealed on Sunday afternoon.
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