Algeria

Algeria are regarded as the weakest of the African contingent at this summers World Cup. Just reaching this stage has been regarded as an amazing achievement. Anything they can accomplish at the tournament itself will be an added bonus. 

Getting the better of neighbours Egypt to reach the finals has made qualification all the sweeter. The now three times running African Nations Cup champions were defeated in a dramatic playoff in Sudan. Having acquired identical records in the group stage of qualifying, the countries had to play for a third time, with the Desert Foxes surprisingly coming out on top in Khartoum by a single goal. 

Qualification was greeted by a mass invasion of the pitch as fans and players alike celebrated. Even the Champs Elysses in Paris was marched upon by delirious fans, much to the disgust of Parisians.

Not much is expected from Algeria in June however, but their have been clear signs of improvement in the past few years, as results have improved and more players are working in Europe than ever before.

An under strenght Algerian team played in this year's Nations Cup in Angola, and put in some mixed performances. Only four points were acquired in the group stage but that was followed up with a 3-2 extra time victory over Ivory Coast, before losing 4-0 to Egypt. The Pharaohs were out for revenge, and they got it by recording the biggest ever scoreline between the teams. Algeria finished fourth, their best result since 1990.

Algeria's most famous World Cup came in 1982. Les Fennecs beat West Germany and Chile in the opening group stage, but were denied a place in the second group stage when the Germans conveniently beat Austria 1-0, a result which put both those teams through. That was Africa's finest ever showing at a World Cup up to that point. The desert Foxes are only making their third appearance this year, having entered again in 1986.   

SCHEDULE- Group C

Slovenia      June 13th- Polokwane

England       June 18th- Cape Town

USA           June 23rd- Pretoria

The group they have acquired will give the Algerians hope of achieving some positive results. A victory is most likely to occur in the opening game against Slovenia. Any thing less than that would suggest their Cup is already over, as England and USA are expected to record victories over the Africans. However, if the Americans don't produce full commitment and take the game for granted, then anything is possible, as Algeria do possess players to be wary off.

KEY PLAYERS

The British contingent of the Algerian squad will be the mainstay of the starting XI in Polokwane on match day one. Hassan Yebda and Nadir Belhadj of Portsmouth, as well as Hammeur Bouazza and Madjid Bougherra will all play a pivotal role in any aspirations the Desert Foxes have. 

Belhadj, in particular, has the greatest ability to cause damage going forward. The former Lens full back has the capability to get forward on the right and get the ball into the box, where Karim Matmour and Abdelkader Ghezzal will be waiting.

Wolfsburg's Karim Ziani is one of the most experienced players in the Algerian squad and is regarded as the star of the team, although his first team chances haven't been prolific since his move from Marseille. His composure and passing will be necessary if Algeria are to threaten. He will be complemented by captain Yazid Mansouri in midfield. The Lorient player is a virtual ever present for club and country, despite being born in France.

One problem facing coach Rahab Saadane is the absence of Belhadj and goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi from the first game, the one they will be targeting for a victory, due to their suspensions that have been carried over from the Cup of Nations. Both players were sent off in the bad tempered semi final with Egypt. 

ONE TO WATCH- Karim Ziani

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

Escaping the group is not entirely out of the question due to the lack of World Cup pedigree of Slovenia and the States, but one cant help feel that beating Egypt on November 18th last was effectively their World Cup final.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

The worst outcome possible would be to lose all three games, which is also a likely scenario.

PREDICTION

Bottom of the group, but not embarrassingly so.