The excitement is building as we get closer to opening match of the 2010 World Cup. With the breakdown of teams from Groups A & B completed, we turn to the nations in Group C, beginning with Algeria.

Official Name: Fédération Algérienne de Football


Nickname: Les Fennecs (The Desert Foxes)

FIFA Confederation: CAF (Africa)

FIFA Code: ALG

How They Qualified: Def. Egypt 1-0 in qualifying tie-breaker match.

World Cup Appearances (Including 2010): 3

Best WC Finish: Spain 1982 & México 1986, group stage elimination

World Cup Record (MP: Wins - Draws - Losses): 6: 2W - 1D - 3L

Head Coach: Rabah Saadane

Most Capped Player (# of caps): Mahieddine Meftah (107)

All-Time Goal Scoring Leader (# of goals): Abdelhafid Tasfaout (35)

Brief Footballing History:
The North African nation stunned the football world in 2009 when they knocked out African champion Egypt in qualifying to make its 3rd World Cup. Algeria's greatest WC moment came in Spain 1982 when they beat West Germany 2-1. The controversial final group stage match between West Germany & Austria at that WC prevented Algeria from advancing to next round.

Eight years later, Algeria achieved continental glory when they won their only African Cup of Nations title. Since 1990, The Desert Foxes have been inconsistent in their World Cup and African Cup of Nations qualifying campaigns.

Player To Watch:
The focus of Algeria's attack will be 27-year old midfielder Karim Ziani.


The French born VfL Wolfsburg playmaker came up through the French club system before coming to Germany. Ziani has not played much for the defending Bundesliga champions so he should have fresh legs. He is Algeria's midfield maestro and his conduction of the attack will have to be on point if Algeria are to advance out of the group.

Outlook:
The Algerians are the most overlooked team in this group. Algeria is the most hardened and battle tested team in the group due to their tough qualifying campaign. They will need every bit of that mental toughness to advance but it shouldn't surprise anyone if they do.

WC Group Schedule:
June 13 vs. Slovenia
June 18 vs. England
June 23 vs. USA

The English will be the next Group C side to breakdown.