The ‘Desert Foxes’ had no World Cup experience until 1982, with the greatest moment in their history being a 1990 African Cup of Nations triumph. They are not perceived as a threat, indeed most experts would place Algeria in the ‘no-hopers’ section. They will be eager to prove doubters wrong and advance to the second round for the first time in their history.
Algeria have only previously qualified for the World Cup on two occasions, 1982 and 1986. If their 1990 continental triumph was their greatest achievement, then their 1982 World Cup victory over West Germany in their first match must be a close second. After this glorious victory, they were the victims of one of the most shameful episodes in the history of the competition. West Germany and Austria played one another during their final group match knowing that a one or two goal German win would get both teams through, eliminating Algeria. West Germany scored, then both teams collaborated making no attempt to alter the result. Algeria went home, much to the disgust of the host nation Spain’s fans. This corruption led FIFA to alter the structure of the final group games so that they were played simultaneously. Their 1986 appearance was not so dramatic as they managed only one point from three games and were eliminated.
Algeria made tough work of qualification as they barely topped their group in the first stage, winning all three home games but picking up just a point in their travels. Drama ensued during the final group stage however. They finished level on points with rivals Egypt and had identical head to head records and their goals scored and conceded were also the same. This meant that a playoff match had to be played, with Algeria winning 1-0 to qualify for South Africa.
Most of their squad play in Europe with Nadir Belhadj of Portsmouth probably their best known player. What is alarming from an Algerian point of view is the fact that only veteran Rafik Saifi has reached double figures in terms of international goals. Such a lack of firepower will certainly hinder potential their progress. They will play in Group C in South Africa, and have been drawn against England, United States and Slovenia. They will not be fancied to do well in this group with their ambition likely to be restricted to just winning a match, possibly against Slovenia. As this is their first match, a win would suddenly place them in contention, with a point versus the United States possibly giving them a chance of progression. However, it is unlikely that Algeria will be gracing South Africa when the knockout stages come.