What: Algeria vs. Slovenia, Group C, Matchday 1
When: Sunday, June 13, 2010, 7:30 a.m. ET
Where: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
TV: ESPN, Univision
On paper, neither Algeria nor Slovenia is expected to advance to the second round from Group C. However, a victory for either team in this head-to-head match-up will give hope to the winner of securing one of the two tickets to the knockout round. Both teams got to this point by winning a playoff in their respective regions in which they were underdogs. Algeria knocked off African champions Egypt while Slovenia sent mighty Russia packing.
ALGERIA
Algeria have not been to the World Cup since 1986 and have been far from impressive in the lead-up to the tournament in South Africa. Scoring was a glaring problem for the Desert Foxes after a 3-0 loss to Ireland and a slim 1-0 win over the United Arab Emirates on a penalty kick.
WATCH: ALGERIA TEAM PROFILE
Manager Rabah Saadane recognizes his squad is not the most talented and that the Fennecs will have to rely on teamwork and defense to get results. Saadane has not helped his cause by benching captain Yazid Mansouri, citing a lack of form. Antar Yahia, who scored the goal that clinched a spot in the World Cup, was named the new captain but is in a race for fitness after a left ankle injury has left him doubtful for the opener. Striker Rafik Djebbour is already ruled out due to a foot injury.
SLOVENIA
Slovenia are playing only their second World Cup after losing all three games in Korea-Japan 2002. A country the size of New Jersey, Slovenia is one of the smallest to qualify for South Africa. They did it using defense, with seven shutouts in their 12 qualifying matches.
WATCH: SLOVENIA TEAM PROFILE
Head coach Matjaz Kek has a squad made up of a majority of players who feature in prominent leagues around Europe. That experience makes them an expert bunch, who are tactically savvy and can counter efficiently. Kek has made sure to build a team that is unified, which is already an advantage over the 2002 squad that flamed out in a World Cup fueled by internal division.
Key Players
Algeria: Abdelkader Ghezzal. (WATCH: Ghezzal profile) While Madjud Bougherra is Algeria’s biggest name for his time with Scottish giants Rangers Glasgow, the French-born Ghezzal will be relied upon for goals in Djebbour’s absence. Ghezzal played for Siena in Italy’s Serie A in the most recent European season.
Slovenia: Nejc Pecnik. Slovenia’s top scorer during qualifying, Milivoje Novakovic (WATCH: Novakovic profile), will earn all the attention when it comes to Slovenia’s scoring hopes. However, Pecnik, who plays in Portugal with Nacional Madeira, is arguably the most electric player on the squad combining size, speed and technique.
Final Analysis
Realistically, only a win for either of these two teams will suffice, which should make for an open encounter. Slovenia, who have more quality and players, can establish themselves as an early dark horse in this tournament, proving that their elimination of Russia was no fluke.
