News from Group C: Algeria and Slovenia

Algeria:

Rangers defender, Madjid Bougherra claims that Algeria can beat England because the North African nation plays with “heart.” (ESPN Soccernet/Dec 14th)

Bougherra has also been named the player of the year in Algeria.

According to the Daily Mail, Zinedene Zidane is set to lend his expertise to Algeria’s World Cup cause.

In this piece, Zidane takes a shot at the United States saying “Behind there will be England, and it can make it against the United States.”

Interpret that anyway you like, but I think Zizzou is saying Algeria needs to survive the game against England and can finish the group beating the United States. Algeria’s lack of big international experience makes the situation difficult, but the United States has not exactly been awe inspiring in the group stage of recent World Cups, either.

It is worth noting that no North African nation has qualified for the second round of the World Cup since 1986 (corrected). Algeria was the close in 1982 to qualifying when they fell victim to an infamous draw between Germany and Austria. It is also worth noting the United States has lost the final group game in the last six World Cups the nation has qualified for. So, something must give in the Algeria-US matchup. (Then again Slovenia could finish second in the group and keep both streaks alive)

Blackpool’s Hameur Bouazza feels that Algeria can shock the world in the Cup of African Nations.

Avram Grant’s quick turnaround of Pompey is jeopardized the Cup of African Nations, particularly the Algerian contingent.

Algeria’s qualification splits loyalties in France.

For news on England, please visit our sister site, EPL Talk

Slovenia:

As discussed on Monday’s EPL Talk Podcast with Slovenian Journalist Robert Poderos, the Slovene players are still angry at Wayne Rooney.

According to the Telegraph, Fabio Capello is fully aware of Slovenia’s quality and capabilities.