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13 June 2010 12:30:00 BSTPeter Mokaba Stadium, PolokwaneReferee: Pablo Pozo (Chile)
Algeria and Slovenia may well be there to make up the numbers in group C as England and USA are heavily favoured to qualify. The winner of this matchup can truly dream of causing an upset while the loser might as well pack his bags early at the prospect of the lopsided matches up ahead. Much is at stake for both teams and neither side can really afford a draw if they are to progress.
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AlgeriaWON 1-0 (n) United Arab EmiratesLOST 3-0 (a) Republic of IrelandLOST 3-0 (a) SerbiaLOST 1-0 (n) NigeriaLOST 4-0 (n) Egypt
SloveniaWON 3-1 (h) New ZealandWON 4-1 (h) QatarWON 1-0 (h) RussiaLOST 2-1 (a) RussiaWON 3-0 (h) San Marino
Algeria:
Probable Line-Up {4-4-2}: Chaouchi(GK), Belhadj, Bougherra, Yahia, Halliche, Ziani, Yebda, Lacen, Mansouri, Ghezal, Saifi
Algeria seem a disjointed side at the moment. Their recent friendly losses coupled with their captain Yazid Mansouri threatening to quit international football sees them arrive at the world cup in the worst possible state. Algeria are an organized side with a strong back four and 2 defensive midfielders. They mainly look to attack on the break and during set pieces. Consequently, not a lot of goals can be expected from this side. Algeria sneaked past Egypt (who are a much better side) thanks to a golden goal from defender Antar Yahia.
Slovenia:
Probable Line-Up{4-4-2} Handanovic(GK), Jokic, Suler, Cesar, Brecko, Birsa, Koren, Radosavljevic, Kirm, Dedic, Novakovic
Slovenia had a brutal qualifying campaign. They caused quite a few upsets by defeating the Czech Republic and Northern Ireland and finishing second in their group. The playoffs saw another giant killing act. Russia were unceremoniously dumped from the World Cup Finals on the away goals rule. Slovenia are similar to Algeria in the sense that they have an organized defense which is tough to break down. Novakovic is their main attacking threat and at 6ft 4in is an ideal target man. Robert Koren in midfield will provide support to the attacking players and could very well be the difference between the two sides.
Prediction: Algeria and Slovenia are two similar sides. What they lack in attacking flair and technique they make up for with an organized defense which is hard to breach. One can expect a slow, dogged affair with both teams likely to cancel each other out.
Predicted Scoreline: Algeria 1-1 Slovenia
