Preview: Algeria face daunting task

الجمعة، 18 يونيو 2010 - 11:27

كتب : وكالات

Algeria should be able to survive a tricky test against England if they are to keep alive their chances of reaching the World Cup round of 16 after their disappointing 1-0 defeat by Slovenia in the opener.

England will be looking to secure their first win at the South Africa finals following their 1-1 draw with the United States in Group C.

The United States take on Slovenia in the other group game while Germany face Serbia in Group D.

Algeria V England

Head to head:

They have never met.

Team news:

England will have to do without central defender Ledley King, who could miss the rest of the tournament after picking up a groin injury.

However, coach Fabio Capello is boosted by the return from injury of midfielder Gareth Barry, whose presence could help Steven Gerrard take up his preferred advanced role.

Algeria will miss forward Abdelkader Ghezzal after he was sent off against Slovenia. Rafik Saifi could be his replacement.

What they said:

"I think it will be an important match for both teams. I think we'll see a good match, it's the World Cup so undoubtedly it will be a fine spectacle and that's the interest of the tournament," Algeria coach Rabah Saadane.

"We have a lot of players who can score goals, but for us to get a better result I'll need to play better than I did last time and score. I don't feel any pressure because the team are playing well," England striker Wayne Rooney.

Player to watch:

England: Gareth Barry may give the Three Lions the depth they need in midfield.

Algeria: Left-back Nadir Belhadj will be hoping that his teammates make the most of his pinpoint crosses.

The US V Slovenia

Head to head:

They have never met.

Team news:

United States goalkeeper Tim Howard sustained a rib injury against England but he his determined to play through the pain barrier.

Slovenia have no worries as coach Matjaz Kek is expected to stick to the same side that beat Algeria.

What they said:

"I think Slovenia is a very good team. They're very well organized, and tactically I think they're very smart. Their defensive record in qualification was outstanding. We have a great deal of respect for their team and look forward to the match," US coach Bob Bradley.

"They put in a great team performance against England. We've studied their strengths and weaknesses with our coach. We often have trouble finding our bearings before we play a tight game, but we now know what we’re capable of in a big competition," Slovenia midfielder Robert Koren.

Player to watch:

Slovenia: Robert Koren stole the show against Algeria, scoring the only game of the game and producing a fine display.

The US: Clint Dempsey, who scored the equalizer in the United States' 1-1 draw with England, is a constant menace to opponents.

Germany V Serbia

Head to head:

Germany win (16) goals (49)

Serbia win (7) goals (32)

Draw (4)

Team news:

Germany coach Joachim Loew is likely to field the same starting line up that hammered Australia 4-0 in the opener.

Serbia will miss defender Aleksandar Lukovic after he was sent off against Ghana. Borussia Dortmund's Neven Subotic is expected to replace him.

What they said:

"We have looked at Serbia in detail - despite losing to Ghana they are incredibly skilled technically, they have strong individual players. They are like a boxer who takes a first blow, they are poised to hit back," Germany coach Joachim Loew.

"We are conscious that we didn't play at the level we are used to (against Ghana) and this game showed us that we have to be much more relaxed against Germany. I'm sure that every player will find the special energy needed to win against this opponent," Serbia coach Radomir Antic.

Player to watch:

Germany: Mesut Ozil caught the eye of fans during the drubbing of Australia, providing neat passes for his teammates.

Serbia: Manchester United centre-back Nemanja Vidic should be on full alert to thwart Germany forwards.

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