Algeria v Slovenia: match preview

Group C
Algeria v Slovenia
Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
Kick-off: Sun June 13, 12.30pm BST

Algeria manager Rabah Saadane has already made arguably his most difficult decision of his country’s World Cup campaign, informing captain and midfielder Yazid Mansouri that he would begin the tournament on the bench after struggling for form in recent weeks. Saadane will task Hassan Yebda with controlling the midfield in his absence.

Slovenia will have to remain alert to the threat posed from Algeria’s raiding full-backs, particularly Portsmouth’s Nadir Belhadj, while attempting to attack their opponents in the air, where the late-blooming striker Milivoje Novakovic is a particular threat. He is likely to be partnered by the livewire Zlatko Dedic.


Talking Tactics

Slovenia’s attacking threat centres on Milivoje Novakovic and Valter Birsa, the impressive Auxerre winger, and West Bromwich Albion’s Robert Koren will be expected to provide him with high-quality delivery from wide areas.

Key clash

Karim Ziani v Rene Krhin: Both men are the key creators for two sides who otherwise lack the class to open up cautious games. Which of the two exercises more influence is likely to determine the outcome of the game.

Teams

Algeria (4-4-1-1): Gaouaoui; Halliche, Yahia, Bougherra, Belhadj,Guedioura, Yebda, Matmour, Lacen; Ziani; Saifi
Substitutes: Chaouchi (G), M’Bohli (G), Bellaid, Medjani, Mesbah, Laifaoui,Mansouri, Boudebouz, Kadir, Abdoun, Ghezzal, Djebbour
Slovenia (4-4-2): S Handanovic; Ilic, Cesar, Brecko, Suler; Koren, Krhin, Radosavljevic, Birsa, Novakovic, Dedic Substitutes: J Handanovic (G), Seliga (G), Jokic, Filekovic, Dzinic, Mavric, Kirm, Komac, Stevanovic, Pecnik, Ljubijankic, Matavz

Referee: Carlos Batres (Guatemala)

Previous meetings

None

Fact: Algeria created one of the greatest shocks in their first ever game in the finals, beating West Germany 2-1 in 1982.

Prediction: Algeria will be the whipping boys of Group C so Slovenia should win and will trouble England and USA for second place.