Shock World Cup qualifiers Algeria and Slovenia clash today in Polokwane in a Group C match neither team dare lose.
Pundits make England hot favorites to top the table with the US widely expected to accompany the “Three Lions” into the knockout phase after finishing Confederations Cup runners-up in South Africa last year.
Slovenia are given virtually no chance of avoiding the first round cut, while Algeria have been dismissed beyond their borders as a country making up the numbers in the 32-team tournament. It is an ironic situation given that both nations made it to South Africa via play-off victories over opponents occupying top-20 positions in the FIFA rankings.
Slovenia eliminated Guus Hiddink-managed Russia on away goals after winning 1-0 at home through a Zlatko Dedic goal following a 2-1 away loss in a play-off between teams who finished runners-up in their group, and Algeria returned to the World Cup after a 24-year absence by edging record six-time African champions Egypt 1-0 in neutral Omdurman thanks to a Anther Yahia goal just before half-time.
It was a heroic triumph as a bus carrying the “Desert Foxes” had been attacked by rock-throwing Egyptian supporters before a qualifier in Cairo a few days before, shattering windows and leaving several Algerians injured.
France-based midfielder Yazid Mansouri led his countrymen through the 13-match qualifying campaign, but will not shake hands with Slovenia captain Robert Koren from English Premiership club West Bromwich Albion. Veteran Mansouri has been omitted by coach Rabah Saadane with Hassan Yebda from FA Cup runners-up Portsmouth taking his place owing to superior form and Yahia assuming the captaincy.
However, Algeria suffered a double injury blow on Friday.
Striker Rafik Djebbour was ruled out of the match with a foot injury, while captain Anther Yahia suffered an ankle injury and is considered only 50/50 to play in what will be Algeria’s first appearance at the finals since 1986.
Djebbour, who will probably be replaced in the starting line-up by Abdelkader Ghezzal, suffered the injury in training on Thursday and aggravated it on Friday, a source inside the Algerian camp said.
Yahia underwent x-rays on Friday after he fell awkwardly going for a header during the training session and he is likely to be replaced by either Abdelkader Laifaoui or Carl Medjani.
KARIM ZIANI (ALG) V
ROBERT KOREN (SLO)
Given the win-or-bust nature of the game it is certain to be cautious with a moment of magic from either team capable of settling who takes the three crucial points.
Ziani is the best Algerian bet with his creativity on the right side of midfield, while Koren organizes Slovenia from a central position.
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