When we think of candidates to win this year’s 2014 FIFA World Cup we imagine powerhouse nations such as Spain, Brazil, Germany or even Argentina to lift the trophy through the streets of Rio de Janeiro.
But as has happened in previous World Cups, anything is possible and it might be a dark horse that flies directly under the radar all the way to the final.
However, sadly the same cannot be said for some nations, including the largest country within Africa, Algeria.
In 1990 this nation was seen as the catalyst for African football showcasing their unique skill to claim the Africa Cup of Nations crown, but as the years have gone by Algeria has rarely been seen on the national footballing circuit.
Having only qualified for the World Cup three times – 2014 to make it four – the Algerians are fancying their chances to qualify into the last 16, despite being grouped alongside outside favourites Belgium.
It seems unlikely Algeria will trouble the Belgians but many feel as though they could defeat Korea Republic and possibly nip a point against Russia, giving them a slight chance to progress.
Personally I believe the Desert Warriors will be lucky to finish the group stage with one or two points. Facing Belgium in their first match will leave the Algerians dejected and disappointed, as I believe the Red Devils will want to showcase their dominance and attack Algeria with a constant barrage barreling down on goal to score more than three goals.
Another startling fact about Algeria is their failure to score a World Cup goal since 1986. The only player that looks likely to threaten up front would be Valencia’s Sofiane Feghouli. He has already scored five goals for Algeria having only played 17 games, and could break the 28-year streak with a goal against Korea Republic.
Predicted line-up:
Mohamed Lamine Zemmamouche
Aïssa Mandi, Madjid Bougherra, Faouzi Ghoulam, Liassine Cadamuro,
Nabil Bentaleb, Saphir Taider, Yacine Brahimi, Abdelmoumene Djabou
Sofiane Feghouli, Islam Slimani
Subs: Cedric Si Mohamed (GK), Carl Medjani (DEF), Mehdi Mostefa (DEF), Yacine Brahimi (MID), Adlene Guedioura (MID), Nabil Ghilas (FWD).
Star Player:
In what will be his final World Cup, and a retirement from international football seems expected, the Algerian captain Madjid Bougherra has always been a formidable and impressive centre back. He will once again put in an impressive showing.
Predicted Finish:
Fourth in Group H.
About 38.5 million Algerians will be watching this year’s World Cup, hoping for at least one positive result. But having qualified alongside Ivory Coast and Ghana, Algerian football looks to be on the rise once again.
Dylan Arvela
Roar Guru
I read the title and that is all that needed to be read.
Phutbol
Guest
Yes, an interesting choice of country to highlight. I'd be interested to know the author's particular interest in Algeria if there is one? Ancestry maybe, or hails from one of the other countries in the group? would provide a bit more context i suppose...
Ben
Guest
I don't know exactly why you have chosen my country Algeria to show that will struggle in this world cup. I wonder if you are a Belgian? don't dream man and don't forget that we have defeat Germany 2-1 in 82, we have a good defense and if we succeeded to mark one goal can be sufficient for us to maintain it till the end of the game. I want just mention that in this group may be Russia and South Korea will pass to the second tour.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Of course it's unlikely that Algeria's WC will amount to too much, but it's worth remembering that 32 years ago, Algeria caused one of the all time great boil overs in WC history. It was the 1982 WC, and back then the ABC covered the WC by a highlights package each evening (Craig Johnston was one of the hosts, I'm pretty sure a very young Peter Wilkins was the other host). Algeria won 2:1, and all three were scored in the second half, my memory is that the ABC showed much of the 2nd half as the highlights package and it was terrific stuff. Algeria scored first, I can't remember how, and I can't remember how Germany tied it, but almost immediately, the very exciting attacking mid, Belloumi, equalised from close range after a great cross.. Thereafter, Algeria parked the bus like nobody's business, and the whole game seemed to be played in the Algerian box! The algerians were just blasting the ball out of there, attack after attack, by any means, including a couple of spectacular bicycle kicks! When Algeria finally won the game, all of the players collapsed. My memory is a bit fuzzy here, but I'm pretty sure Der Kaiser made the comment immediately afterwards: to lose to Algeria is humiliating. Those Germans!
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Very true marcel - good observation. Home ground advantage got South Korea to the last four in 2002 - but no one would have viewed them as a worthy contender for the final, even at that point. Croatia deserved its top four finish in 1998, led by the mighty Davor Šuker. Belgium had a very good world cup in 1986. Poland managed two 3rd placings in 1974 and 1982. Chile managed to finish 3rd on home soil in 1962. Sweden made the final on home soil in 1958. I have often pondered: when were we last surprised by a country making the final. I wonder if it would be Holland in 1974? If not that, then it might be argued we have never been surprised by a team making the final, ever, in the history of the WC.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
I dont know why you've picked on Algeria to ridicule when on paper at least there is a few nations who will 'struggle' at the WC -notably the USA , Russia, England among others .
marcel
Guest
When was the last time a dark horse got anywhere near the final..! Even for established football nations it remains the impossible dream. The last final was only the 3rd final ever not to include Brazil, Italy or Germany.