Ireland Vs Algeria – Not Ready Yet

May 29th, 2010 | by: Omar |

Ireland 3 – 0 Algeria

Green (31), Keane (51, 84 pen.)
Cautions: Mansouri (57), Mesbah (74)

Algeria conceded 3 goals to Ireland last night, 3 goals offered on a plate to the Irish squad. All three goals could have been avoided should the Algerian players had been more focused. No wonder Fabio Capello’s assistant, Franco Baldini, was all smile last night. I believe there must be the same feeling of confidence in the Slovenian and American camps, our toothless desert foxes have not won a match for while now and winning the UAE next week will not change a thing. That will just be too little but maybe not too late though…

The blunders:

31 minutes:
Halliche gratuitously elbows an Irish player in the back => free kick given less than 30 meters from the Algerian goal. The shot is taken and unmarked Paul Green dives heading the ball inside the Algerian net. Two Irish players were offside but Paul green was not; 1-0.

51 minutes:
After a poor clearance from Guedioura, Fawzi Chaouchi advances to catch the ball from a Damien Duff cross but fails to catch the ball and just pushes it to Robbie Keane’s feet => Robbie Keanes lobs it: 2-0. Chaouchi should have catched it or at least punched it, that was poor goal keeping from Chaouchi on that one.

83 minutes:
Hazardous challenge from Mesbah on Robbie Keane inside the penalty area=> Referee generously awards a penalty kick: 3-0.

When we have an acute problem in scoring goals, the least we can do is not giving away free goals. Facing quality opponents, those kinds of blunders are fatal for a team like ours. We cannot afford them.

Halliche, Chaouchi and Mesbah, did have a good game overall but that was not up to a World Cup standard. The teams started well and did some pressing in the first twenty minutes but you could feel the loss of rhythm afterwards, as if they were tired already… Too many balls were lost to the Irish (Belhadj lost a few of those) and our offensive players did not have the back up necessary to finish counter attacks, there was an obvious lack of cohesion. Ghezzal has not been a threat to the Irish and Djebbour has been fairly discreet that night. I do not know what to make of Saifi! I found Saifi edgy, nervous on the brink of getting a yellow card or even being sent off! Something upset him from the start, not sure what it was but he better pull himself together, sure we need some aggressivity but of the positive kind not the destructive kind! Lebuteur.com talked of a critic from Belhadj towards Saifi, could that be it?

Karim Ziani did have a good game for someone that has not had a competitive game since January, he even could have scored last night. But that’s not good enough for the World Cup. In an interview Ziani said he felt tired after playing for an hour. Will one additional match be enough for Ziani to retrieve most of his form?
Kadir and Bellaid did ok but they’re no match for Bougherra who was sorely missed last night. Guedioura was not at his right position and it showed; still he was the closest to score for Algeria with his powerful header last night. Lacen did ok but Mansouri was not convincing, Yebda and Guedioura would have had more of an impact. Abdoun pleasantly surprised me with his attempts. M’Bolhi showed his skills and we did need them in front of Robbie Keane. As for Boudebouze, the match took a turn for the better when he entered, should he had been playing from the start we might have had one in. He definitely made an impact last night.

Let’s not forget Matmour, Bougherra, Yebda, and Anthar Yahia did not play last night and these are the experienced players in our squad. Them not playing last night’s game allowed us to see some of the new guys in action and that was a good thing.

What’s next for the Algeria squad?

31st May to 4th June.One week of tactical training in Nuremberg, Germany.
5Th June: UAE Vs Algeria in Germany.

Regarding Robbie Keane’s penalty feint.

The new FIFA rules regarding penalty feints will be effective from 1st June, that is the reason why the referee validated Robie Keane’s penalty feint.
What FIFA says:

Penalty-takers will no longer be allowed to halt at the end of their run-ups to try to fool the goalkeeper.
The International Football Association Board has decided it is “unsporting behaviour” and made it a yellow card offence in time for the World Cup.
“Feinting in the run-up to take a penalty kick to confuse opponents is permitted,” said Fifa’s Jerome Valcke.
“However, feinting to kick the ball once the player has completed his run-up is now considered an infringement.”
If players do feint at the end of their run-up and then score, they will have to take the kick again.

The teams:

Irland :
Westwood (Joe Murphy, 85) – Kelly, O’Shea (O’Dea, 36), St Ledger, Cunningham – Green, Whelan (Andrews, 74), Lawrence (Long, 85), Duff (Fahey, 66) – Keane, Doyle (Sheridan, 71).

Algeria :
Chaouchi (M’Bohi, 68) – Lacen, Halliche, Bellaïd, Mesbah – Ziani, Mansouri (Kadir, 65), Guedioura, Belhadj (Boudebouz, 65) – Ghezzal (Abdoun, 78), Djebbour (Saïfi, 57).

Watch a short summary of the Irish goals in the first video and summaries of the match in the second and third videos:

Algeria World Cup Team Blog RSS Feed

Paddy

You just backtracked on Keane’s Penalty, the quote you said means that Robbies penalty still would’ve been counted rather than you insinuating that he infringed on it.
Adam

what the hell is wrong with you algeria your gonna be playing in the world cup in a few weeks and this is how your performing! at this rate your gonna lose every single match in the group stage, you really need to step up your game now!
DZMouloudiaMCO

Paddy and Adam,

Move Along, Nothing To See Here.
http://canada hacen

keep it positive
i still think we can do some think
just reminder guys:

today USA vs Turkey 19:00 GMT
tomorrow ENGLAND vs JAPAN at 14:00 GMT if i am not wrong

it was nt that bad at all guys, we are a building a solid group for the future with this youngster
XAVIER

What are your thoughts on the goalkeeping situation? I have to say that both Chaouchi and M’Bolhi are very talented but also very inexperienced. I have always liked
DZMouloudiaMCO

Spain vs KSA

http://www.iraqgoals.net/8907-spain-vs-saudi-arabia.html
XAVIER

I liked M’Bolhi when he was coming up with Marseille. With that talent I thought he would play with the French National Team one day since he was born in France of Congolese and Algerian parents.
abd

Saadane has lots to do to tweak his formation. Against both Serbia and Ireland we played with 3 defensive midfielders (Belhadj was the 3rd yesterday). I wouldn’t be quick to call it a failure, as we never had a full squad on both occasions, and the players where apparently fatigued yesterday, probably due to the high-altitude training. They can rest in these 48 hours, but when they come back to Nuremberg they should be ready to work real hard.

I think I agree with Sami that we should really try a 4-5-1 formation. Not just one of our strikers coming back to help the mid-field, but one with 3 midfielders (Yedba, Guedioura, Lahcen, Fouad Kadir) and 2 wingers (Ziani Abdoun Boudebouz Matmour) and the lone striker (Djebour). Say what you will about Djebbour but I remember his 2 games versus Uruguay and Blida, he was great in both of them, his trickery allows him to create his own space, plus he is a much more better finisher then Ghezzal and can also out in passes for any one moving into the box.

Whenever we start taking steps forward, we take 3 backwards. Not long ago, set-pieces where our strength, even on an African level we executed and defended them better then any African team I know of!! what I saw yesterday just shocked me. I know Ireland are good at set-pieces, but so are we.
vignesh

watch

spain vs saudi arabia goals (full highlights)

lionel messi interview with CNN

and England world cup prep at

http://sports4ready.blogspot.com/
DZMouloudiaMCO

Turkey USA

http://www.justin.tv/cholillo_831
DesertFox

Points Saadane doesn’t understand:

1) Players cannot be played out of position
2) Players played out of position tend to drift back to their usual positions leaving spaces
3) Without self confidence you can’t achieve anything
4) Saifi can’t score – too old
5) Mansouri can’t defend – too old
6) Saadane can’t think on his feet – he has one plan and plods along no matter what is happening on the pitch
7) Can’t think of seventh (for now), but its a blessed number.

WRT Ireland game
1) Boudebouz is left footed – yes he plays on the right wing at Sochaux as he cuts in and doubles as a playmaker, but in the Ireland game with Algeria 2 goals down should have been played on the left wing where he is more comfortable and doesn’t need to cut in. Just needs to pass or beat his man and then pass.
2) Belhadj couldn’t move into space because he’s not as effective as a winger as he is as LB.
3) Is this the first time djebbour and Ghezzal have played together? It really really looked like it was their first time on the same pitch from the game. No communication, no support. Too too far apart from each other. Someone should sit them down and watch how dwight york and andy cole used to do it for man u.
4) Half the team was played out of position. It hurts to see young lads made to feel like their not good enough because youre playing defenders as offensive playeers and offensive players as defenders – especially Mesbah, can you imagine? This guy was told – for your 1st game for the EN you’ll be playing as a defender? The guy must have been scratching his head thinking what did I do to deserve this?
5) If I were Boudebouz I would leave now, it was only a friendly, he can still play for France U21.
6) I recommend the whole team go on strike till Saadane is kicked out. The guy is the EN’s worst enemy. Does he hate Algeria or something? His interviews he spends time telling everyone not to have high expectations, the team isn’t ready – you can’t talk like that, all the players are from 1st division from european clubs. If they’re lost in terms of strategy its time for Troussier or someone else to step in.

Algeria has never been the same since the loss of one player: Khaled Lemmouchia. The rest of the team is the same more or less. Yes Meghni is a loss, but Algeria won matches without him. Algeria began conceding goals against Malawi – the day Lemmouchia confronted Saadane, and the day he was put out of the team. Bottom line is with Lemmouchia you’re not getting through. Saifi and Mansouri are going to south africa. Players like Lemmouchia and Hadj Issa get to stay home. Algeria would not be going to south africa without Khaled. Saadane has 2 RBs but doesn’t play either. He is just unbelievable. The man has to go. Has to go.

When Abdoun is considerably better than everyone on the pitch, you know something has gone very very wrong.
DZMouloudiaMCO

Hope the guy is right

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/england/7783461/World-Cup-2010-England-must-be-on-their-guard-for-Algerian-game-of-bluff.html
DesertFox

Algeria needs a Dutch coach. Gus Hiddink was available, but Turkey got him. The Turks just lost to USA so they might take it out on him. In any case, next time he’s available FAF should stop messing around. Can’t bring decent players into a team with a substandard coach. He’s just not good enough.
DZMouloudiaMCO

Lammouchia has Discipline & Behavior Problems, the guy attacked Saadan, what did you expect Saadan to do???After the ES setif game against the Zambian TEAM, Lammchia physically attacked Laban, and got his ass kicked by the African player. What is iT that you guys want from Saadan?? Are we supposed to go back to the نلعب ول نحرم?

Its funny how all Algerians are Monday Morning Quarterbacks, Even the old losers ( Ex coachES) that did not achieve s****, when they were at the head of the NATIONAL TEAM, they now questioning every move.

Let the guy work, give him a chance.
DZMouloudiaMCO

The substandard coach you are talking about is the one who got you to the WC my friend Or are you going to pay Gus Hiddink $200,000/month from your own pocket?
http://canada hacen

no body is perfect
i agree we luck of tactic and team work
but in this moment (10 days to the world cup)
we are with saadane and his team
give some air and space to the guy
i have a feeling we can do some thing in the next days
go algeria
abd

Saadane didn’t have a full squad to start with, so you can give him that much. Playing against a full Irish team, with Robbie Keane, Kevin Doyle and Damien Duff up front, was never going to be easy. We had a makeshift defense. Mesbah was bought in for the main reason of being Belhadj’s sub. We needed to know if he was up to the level, and to some extent he can fill in that role really well. Too bad we don’t have another strong friendly, it would be good if we had a chance to really see if we learned anything from the past 2 games or not.

The right back position came down to either see what Guedioura can do at it, or have Laifaoui stand in there. We had no other options!
DZMouloudiaMCO

Some good news

بدأت ارتدادات الهزيمة القاسية التي تكبدها منتخب الجزائر لكرة القدم أمام منتخب أيرلندا في المباراة الودية التي جرت الجمعة بدوبلن تظهر للعيان، حيث تقرر إبعاد القائد يزيد منصوري والمهاجم رفيق جبور من التشكيلة الأساسية للخضر.

وقال مصدر مقرب من الطاقم الفني للمنتخب الجزائري ليورو سبورت عربية أن قرار المدير الفني رابح سعدان بإبعاد منصوري وجبور جاء استجابة للانتقادات القوية التي لاحقته عقب الخسارة من أيرلندا، والأداء المتواضع للثنائي.

وحسب ذات المصدر فإن سعدان سيعيد النظر في كامل خطته، حيث ينتظر أن يدرج اللاعب عدلان قديورة مكان منصوري بعد أن اقتنع بمستواه رغم إدراجه كمدافع أيمن، فيما لم يرس بعد على خليفة جبور.

ولن تتوقف حملة التطهير عند منصوري وجبور بل قد تشمل المهاجم عبد القادر غزال الذي فشل في التأقلم مع جميع الأسماء الهجومية في شاكلة جبور وصايفي، وهو مايجعل مكانته الأساسية مهددة في حال عدم التأكيد خلال معسكر ألمانيا.

زياني “القائد” في المونديال

ومن جملة التغيرات التي ستشمل منتخب الجزائر في المباريات المقبلة منح شارة الكابتن إلى كريم زياني ليكون خليفة منصوري، سيما مع عدم الثقة في رفيق صايفي والوناس قاواوي للعب في التشكيل الأساسي.

ويعتبر كريم زياني رابع أقدم لاعب في التشكيلة الجزائرية بعد كل من منصوري، وقاواوي وصايفي.

تغيرات جوهرية في لقاء الإمارات

وخلفت الخسارة الودية أمام أيرلندا سقوط العديد من الأسماء من أجندة سعدان الأساسية، حيث يرتقب أن يجري بعض الحلول الجديدة في المواجهة الودية أمام الإمارات في الخامس من حزيران/ يونيو المقبل بألمانيا.

وتشمل التغييرات عودة ثنائي محور الدفاع عنتر يحي ومجيد بوغرة، مع استبعاد الوجه الجديدحبيب بلعيد الذي لم يقنع” الشيخ” في مباراة الجمعة،كما يرتقب أن يعود حسان يبدة وكريم مطمور إلى التشكيل الأساسي بعد شفائهما من الإصابة، وستتواصل موجة التغير بإشراك “أصغر لاعب في المنتخب “رياض بودبوز أساسيا بعد أن أبان عن قدرات بدنية وفنية أبهرت الجزائريين

http://arabia.eurosport.com/football/world-cup/2010/منصوري-وجبور-خارج-التشكيل_sto2344373/ar-story.shtml
DesertFox

Saadane was fortunate that with the problems over in algeria – and the coffers full from oil revenues, a lot more players are willing to play for algeria.

Why did Lemmouchia get angry? Algeria’s first 3-0 loss in a long time. Yebda was ineffective against skinny fast Malawians, so anyone would have brought on Lemmouchia. Anyone with common sense.

When I saw the line-up I was quite worried. Saadane will continue to play Saifi, Mansouri and Chaouchi. Can you explain why? Monday morning quaterback??

This is me: Hey why is Saifi still playing – he’s too old, Saadane should play someone else.

This is you: Hey who do you think you are? How dare you question Saadane? What have you ever done?

I mean do you ever listen to yourself? If it was up to you – no one would discuss anything.

Football is not that complicated. Playing people out of position always fails. Psychologically it damages morale. Players get frustrated and develop bad habits as a result. Saadane is addicted to doing things the hard way and we’re too close to world cup and I’m sick of his excuses.

I would prefer Ziani or Bougherra to be player/manager that to have that guy. I don’t even know why I’m writing this. Saadane is going to sink this team, maybe he is so angry at FAF he just wants the team to fail. Next friendly should be against Brazil with Saifi in goal and mansouri as lone striker. Should be interesting. Remember to bring your red flares to light up when Algeria is 6-0 down…
DesertFox

I’ve seen Saifi miss goals my grandmother would score.
DesertFox

I apologise. I’m just angry, and sick and tired of watching Algeria lose.
DZMouloudiaMCO

You are right some of Saadan’s picks are questionable , but we have to give him a chance.

It does not matter what Saadan did or did not do against Malawi, what Lammouchia did was unjustifiable, you can not physically attack the coach because your name is not in the 18th list.
abd

Very interesting article you put there Mouloudia. I personally wouldn’t loose any sleep over the omission of Mansouri, In fact it would be a magnificent leap forward. we now have 3 quality Defensive Mids, that play in the best leagues in the world (La Liga and EPL). Djebbour on the other hand worries me. We only called up 3 strikers and Matmour, excluding Djebbour isn’t the way to go. Djebbour is our best striker, and we have seen him on form in national colours. Preforms much more better then Ghezzal, I would say.
yanny

Can anyone confirm if Djbour and Mansouri are out? or just not gonna play the UAE game? because i never liked Mansouri… but i think he should be at the WC. and if Djbour is out maybe that means Hadj Aissa?
Adnane

Here’s my views.

The defense looked more calm and confident with Mbolhi in the goals. Chaouchi has some good reflex but he stresses too much and makes the whole defense lack confidence.

Lahcen and Mansouri plays the same type of game. Saadane needs to leave his hearth in Bab el oued and put Mansouri on the bench. There was no liaison between midfield and the attacking line. Matmour very much needed for this.

I am confident that the defense will be alright when Boughera and Yahia will come back, with Belhadj on the back line.

Here’s the team Saadane needs to play against the Emirats.

Mbohli

Yahia Boughera Halliche Belhadj

Lahcen Yebda
Gedioura
Matmour Ziani

Ghezzal

P.S. Saifi is over, dead, finito. I am tired of seeing him whine like a little girl and look like a genocide victim when someone touches him.
MoNo-Dz

Just wondering, what do you think of this line, start Boudebouz and Ziani as the attacking Mids, and Yebda and Lacen as the defensive mids, put Ghezzal and Matmour as the Strikers, Yahia, Gedioura, Bougherra, and Halliche as the Defense and Chaochi as the GK,
Uthman

wow, mansouri is out. great news, and guedioura is replacing him!!! hmmm, i like him. but i would put yebda, even guedioura has the quality.
now what worries me is that djebbour is out (i guess just from the starting eleven, or whats meant with “eltechkila el assassia”??). who is gonna take his place?? i guess its gonna be matmour!!!
after a nice performance of boudebouz, i think saadane will put him as starter, what means matmour can play as striker with ghezzal.
maybe im wrong with all that, but after hearing mansouri and djebbour are out, i guess that would be saadanes most possible choices!!!
thats what i expect:

mbolhi-
yahia,bogy,halliche,belhadj-
boudebouz,guedioura,lahcen,ziani(c)-
matmour, ghazal

would be intressting, as i think thats a step forward, because im pretty sure with that formation we can get a deeper offense game.
hicham

you nailed uthman. guedioura would normally substitute yebda, but I feel hassen’s injury is more complicated than expected.

but i honestly se it more as a 4-5-1 with only ghezzal upfront.

ziani captain in this WC is the BEST news I heard since boudebouz joined algeria! If it’s true, I am happy happy happy happy!

it totally makes sense though after mansouri’s displayed zero leadership and charisma and saifi downright miserable attitude (I still can’t believe it).

actually looking at Saifi (a long time local player) and Chaouchi’s behaviours, you understand the local/expat ratio in the EN.

my boss ahmed is betting on algeria in THE QUARTER FINALS…
hicham

******* nailed it uthman
http://canada hacen

i don t like gazelle being part of the principal offensive
this guy can t score ,whenever he get the ball the action dye
you don t feel like some thing will happen , just running and barely touch the ball
Fredo

Hello guys, here (http://www.mixin.com/users/worldcup_algerie) is the schedule of Algeria matches… they will be great if anybody wants to add some fotos or vidéos^^
http://canada hacen

i don t see England winning this world cup, they were straggling in front of japan, lucky England first goal,
our defense have a lot off work to do, it is going to be 90 minute of intense defense
yanny

yeah, i don’t like ghezzal up front as a lone striker… but he is a big man. But hopefully Boudebouz can score and so can matmour, plus our defenders have their share of goals.

and so far… everyone in group C has shaky defense. England vs. Mexico very very shaky (i know they were missing players_

USA vs. Turkey, Turkey tore up the defense in both halves. Slovenia though, i thnk has a solid D but haven’t seen them play
Uthman

it seems the news about mansouri is true…
http://www.echoroukonline.com/eng/index.php?news=9809

its also said that matmour and boudebouz are going to be our attack line…..if thats true, i wonder who plays attacking mitfield with ziani, because i thought its gonna be boudebouz.
kadir or abdoun?? or is it going to be ziani,lacen,yebda,guedioura as mitfield???
what do you think boys and girls?? what are you expectations??
yanny

I don’t know… i’ve never been a fan of Yebda or Guedioura… I really want Abdoun in the line up, only thing is that Abdoun does play Ziani’s role… but i think having Guedioura and Yebda on at the same time might not work.
yanny

Also just wondering, did anyone watch the England vs. Japan game? if so how’d England look?
hicham

hey uthman. u nailed it earlier. I see it as a 4-5-1 with ghezzal upfront.

yebda starts. guedioura replaces him.

mbolhi-
yahia,magic,halliche,belhadj-
matmour,ziani(c),yebda,lahcen,boudebouz
ghezzal
hicham

qnd pls… echorouk and le buteur are no reliable sources.. lets wait and see
TNTbaba

Salam Khawa:

I believe the problem is not with the players, rather with the 4-5-1 or 4-4-2 formations that Saadane seems to prefer and many of you seem to like as well.

We (Algerians), by nature, are stubborn, offense-minded, and love individual playing skills (most of the 80s EN famous players are known for their attacks and individuality) and both of these two configurations are counter to our modus-operates.

I definitely am not a football expert but I suggest that we move to either 4-3-3 or even better go 3-3-4 (overwhelm the opponents)! Here are the two possible formations:

Between parentheses are the suggested replacements in case of tiredness.

3-3-4

Mbolhi (Chaouchi)
Belaid, Bougherre (Halliche), Antar, Mesbah
Ziani (Abdoun), Lahcen (Mansouri), Guedioura (Yebda)
Matmour, Ghezal (Jebour), Belhaj (Boudebouze)

or

3-3-4

Mbolhi (Chaouchi)
Bougherre (Halliche), Antar (B, Mesbah
Ziani (Abdoun), Lahcen (Mansouri), Guedioura (Yebda)
Matmour, Ghezal, Jebour, Belhaj (Boudebouze to replace anyone)

I know they are crazy formations but they may prove to be better than the pathetic two we have been losing big time with! What do you think?

Salam
Uthman

3-3-4…..wow, you must be some crazy brother….thats a formation the whole football world was waiting for,lol;-)
DZMouloudiaMCO

3-3-4 are we talking about football or baseball here
jk
abd

In modern day football you have to play with a condensed Defense and/or midfield. A long time ago teams used to play with 2-3-5 formations, and like you mentioned the 3-3-4:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formation_%28association_football%29#3.E2.80.933.E2.80.934

But now a days it would be a tactical faux-pas. After all it’s not like our back 3 will be made of Beckenbaur, Baresi and Maldini
Sami

http://algeria.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2010/world-cup-2010-mourad-meghni-out.html#comments

By Sami | May 27th, 2010 at 4:01 pm

“reminds me of fellag’s skit on algeria in the 90s when outside in the streets there were demonstrations and on TV some program about Jaques Cousteau…

My shock prediction for the EN: mansouri doesn’t get a full game.”

Saadane couldn’t keep playing the guy.

Guys, guys, forget about formations.

———-Mbholi—————
Bougherra-Yahia-Bellaid-Belhadj
———–Yebda—————

Matmour-Guedioura-Ziani-Boudebouz
———–Ghezzal————-

I think its worth taking a chance on Boudebouz as a starter. He doesn’t give the ball away, he needs a couple more games full 90 minutes.

Offensively, 4-5-1 turns to 4-3-3 allowing Matmour and Boudebouz to take shots on goal. Belhadj and Bougherra love to go up (Bougherra as a destabalising, attacking CB is a luxury we can’t afford), Boudebouz has some very accurate passing which will enhance the left wing with Belhadj’s runs. Bougherra as RB can improve Algeria offensively on the right and balance the team better. Bougherra has pace and is VERY hard to disposess. And try getting through him in defence. Belhadj I have been critical of defensively, has really improved every aspect of his game. I hope he goes to Roma.

Guedioura is not a simple player. He is great defensively, breaks up play well and can create an attack/turn provider. This is what Algeria was lacking until now.

Yebda is a different type of defensive midfield and very effective in his own right. He is built like a rugby player / american footballer. He patrols the middle of the park – Saadane thinks he can turn him into more of an offensive player but it hasn’t worked out. Always better to play to your strengths in life – particularly when your price tag will go up.

Thats as good as it gets. Ghezzal was making space even against the serbs. He was OK against Ireland – saw him disposess a defender and try to turn provider to Djebbour.

Ghezzal needs to use Matmour more rather than just Matmour providing for Ghezzal. Playing Bougherra at RB means Matmour can play further forward. The defensive line can play higher so you end up playing in the opponents half. Bellaid can track back very well, better than Yahia or Bougherra, and he’s taller than both. His job is to jump with Crouch and stay on his feet, don’t let Crouch lean on you, use you to prop himself up, or draw a foul. Basically jump at the same time as him for the ball and get in his face. Also if you can distact him, irritate him, anything to get his focus off the game – even better.

Basically, Yebda domiates the midfield and Rooney. Guedioura looks after Gerrard and tries to turn defense into attack – long ball to Matmour would be good or short pass to Ziani.

Even beyond that Algeria has problems, too far spaced apart that they cant find each other and are outnumbered all over the pitch, or too close together and getting in each other’s way. Every game with different players.

I am watching teh end of France-Tunisia. Tunisia are always pressing, Malouda is closed down quickly. Mashallah Tunisia has a great team. Thats how you’re supposed to play, but then they’re all playing in position.

Mbholi is probably Algeria’s best keeper. Good reflexes, good training. Looks fine to me.
DesertFox

TNTBaba

How about playing without a goalkeeper and having an extra CB? I hear that is a great formation. Or what about 1-2-7? One CB, 2 Defensive midfielders and 7 strikers, how can you lose with a formation like that?
DesertFox

Know how to stop conceding? get a goalkeeper with a normal hairstyle. Leave Halliche on the bench, bring Yebda back on (his injury is not serious – more about pain management I think). Keep Bougherra and Yahia next to each other. Preferably in the middle but at a push Bougherra at RB, then Yahia, Bellaid and Belhadj.

Instruct the players that when they lose posession, the nearest player has to stall the guy with the ball while his team mates get back, when the guy pases, closest person peals off to stand in front and put the player under pressure.

Forward together, back together, like an army. If you’re not ready for that, try another sport – like ping pong or darts or something.

Bottom line, Algeria isn’t going to be a team of unknowns for much longer – question is what do they want to be known for?
DesertFox

TNTBaba

Salam wa rahmat’Allah wa barakatuhu.
Algerians need a coach that can teach them what the Dutch call ‘total football’ – everyone is interchangeable. So when a defender goes up a midfielder goes back and defends. So when Bougherra goes up to Midfield, a midfielder drops back.

Don’t underestimate Ghezzal. It is hard playing alone up front and he causes real concern amongst defenders.
abd

I wouldn’t want Bougherra as right-back. We don’t need him as right back too. He can still make his forward runs and still keep his CB position. Just keep Antar as your RB, and then whenever Bougherra goes up, have Antar tuck into his left, filling Bougies empty space. Therefore you have bougherra on the center-right, and Belhadj with his blistering speed wide left. In addition to your normal offensive players.

Crouch isn’t a concern to me, versus Serbia we played against one of the Tallest professional footballers ever, Nikola Zigic

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_%C5%BDigi%C4%87

you might argue that Crouch is better then Zigic, but in set pieces we handled him really well. Kudos to Antar and Halliche.

I am kind of reluctant to play defensive midfielders that are big and strong like Yebda and Guedioura. I would like to see how they would handle the speed of Walcott and US’s Donovan on the flank when they inevitably have to cover one of belhadj’s runs. For that Lahcen is ideal as he can keep up with them, and isn’t easy to turn.

By abd | May 26th, 2010 at 10:04 am

“I am also thinking Belhadj for Djamel Mesbah, but instead I would rather see, Belhadj move up as a winger, and Djamel as a Left back. I know Belhadj’s biggest asset is his ability to overlap, and use the space created by the midfield, but his dribbling and speed is interesting to see up front.”

Yes, yes…….. didn’t work in the last game, but I would still give it another shot in Germany. Mesbah was to be groomed for the Left back post. In the WC my first left-back is still Belhadj. The game he played against Serbia was spectacular. That counter attack he started was genius, If only Matmour was a better finisher. Give Djebbour another shot, I still believe he will have a wonderful WC, despite our lack of goals.
Kazi

DesertFox, are you having a joke? Leave Halliche on the bench? And bring on who? Bellaid? The only reasonable replacement would be Medjani and even then I would rather have Halliche.

And the hairstyle shouldn’t bother anyone. If it’s a player’s hairstyle that bothers you then you’re in the wrong blog my friend. Seaman had a weird hairstyle that made him look like a biker yet at the time he was one of the very best keepers around.

If Djamel Mesbah doesn’t get a chance to play left mid, then it’s useless bringing him.

Apparently, many press organisations, even DZFOOT are saying that Mansouri had a stinker, some saying that Ziani has surpassed Saifi to become captain now that Mansouri has lost favour. In my opinion, send Mansouri home and bring in LHA. We have enough centre mids to cope. And Hemani has had a better scoring run than Saifi, why not bring him, lol I joke, but if we could just swap Saifi for Ziaya then it would be fine. I know many people think he’s overrated here but he still hasn’t had a proper chance to prove himself.

Who heard what Cavalli said:
“Zarabi is still the best defender Algeria has.”
Yeah, and my grandmother taught Cristiano Ronaldo how to take free kicks. I agree, Cavalli was great tactically, but his choice in players was sub-par. Obviously this guy doesn’t know that Halliche, Bougherra, Yahia, Belhadj and Meftah exist does he? Probably thinks Meniri should be captain too.

You know what I would love to see, Saadane to take drastic action, try doing this:

Mansouri home -> Hadj-Aissa S.A
Saifi home -> Ziaya (with convincing) S.A
Bellaid home -> Meftah/Metref S.A

Mansouri out because we don’t need any extra centre mids and Hadj-Aissa is on the form of his life.
Saifi out because he’s old and getting a bit full of himself and Ziaya cause he’s just better in my opinion.
Bellaid out because he was a liability and either Meftah because of his consistency or Metref because of his versatility and ability to score goals. Just to let you know, it is also possible for Metref to play as right back.
hicham

I have to admit something… this last game against ireland completely demoralized me.

the past few months Ive been not only hoping that algeria does not appear as bland as tunisia the last FOUR cups where they did not win a single game BUT I want to see a major dark horse performance.

but after our game vs ireland and tunisia’s respectable display before france, I sank…

I only wish we do as well as them (ie lose respectably 2 games and draw one = something like our 1986 participation).
http://tunisia.worldcupblog.org Rami

Hey guys, when does Algeria’s final squad get announced please?
Dareen

I know most people on this blog hate me , but please for all the Arabs especially Palestine i think the Algerian team should wear black armbands throughout the worldcup to symbolize the death that Isreal causes everyday in Gaza especially with what just happened on the ship that Isreal attacked.And u guys wouldn’t just be representing Algeria, the Arabs but also a whole bunch of other nations that were on the ship.In addition since Algeria is playing UAE which is also a Arab nation both teams should stand for a minute of silence because of what just happened even though it was mostly Turks that died they are also muslim and were sending envoys to help Gaza. I know my suggestion may never be heard, but if Algeria did do that then i will back down and support them as a fellow Arab nation. If you guys actually like the idea we should make a facebook group, but i really wanted to see what other Algerians thought of the idea
http://canada hacen

time to open the border between Egypt and palastine
Hakim

@Dareen,
Sending a boat with humanitarian aid to Gaza is more important than wearing a black armband. Together with Turkey and Kuwait Algeria did just that unlike Egypt which built a lead wall to make sure starving Gazan cannot get aid from Egypt, even sending poisonous gas in tunnels, killing Palestinians.
So just back down and support Algeria already
Hakim

@Rami
There only 23 players left in the Algeria camp: Meghni was sent home and Zemmaouche too. The 23 should be officially named the 5th june I believe.
Well done Tunisia for its game last night.
Salam alaykoum
http://www.tunisia.worldcupblog.org Rami

Wa Alaikoum salam Hakim, thanks a lot for the info buddy!
http://www.tunisia.worldcupblog.org Rami

Oh and thanks also for noting our performance yesterday. Coulda won that one!
http://canada hacen

i would suggest to saadane in this days (less than 2 weeks to the world cup) to focus all his energy to the slovinia match, and don t think for england or USA
he must study colsely this team,find offensive solution, decorticate his stringht and weakness ,
i am sure this game is the key starter to our adventure
i am sure the fans don t blame him if he came back with a Slovenia win
http://canada hacen

and also
if i am saadane
i ll give the chance for boudebouz and kadire in the front, if they don t score that fine , at lest they are get experience , they are our next generation,
i prefer that than gazelle and saifi , whom for sure they don t score any
DesertFox

@Dareen

Listen fatso, I’m only going to say this once. Life isn’t about what you gain, its about what you lose. In your case sincerity. You lost it a long time ago. Credibility – you have none.

My uncle who is a minister in Algeria was on one of those boats. How many Egyptians ministers were part of the aid convoy? None.

A long time ago an american critic of the US government’s foreign policy was asked why he didn’t criticise the soviet union. He answered that his opposite number already existed in Russia and that if everyone just took care in preserving the civility of their own countries than the world would be a better place.

Dareen, if you feel so strongly about what has happened (which frankly I don’t believe you do – since you come across as terribly insincere and downright nasty) then you should write a letter to the egyptian embassy in whatever country your in. Come to think of it – i apologise, its really none of my business what action you take, you are egyptian, I am algerian – lets just mind each other’s business from now on. I won’t tell yo uwhat to do – and you don’t tell us what to do. Fair enough? Now go have a slimfast shake and count to 10.

Lastly just to confirm – there were algerian ministers on the boats, aid was sent from algeria, as well as diplomatic support. Now aside from putting our own ministers in the line of fire – I think Algeria has done rather a lot for Palestinian and Arab causes over the years.
abd

I don’t know if there where any Algerian Ministers on the boat especially with the last cabinet reshuffle. Maybe Bouteflika, sent Chekib Khaliel on that boat

I just hope this summer we play some good football -inshallah Demi-Finale – and enjoy our country being on the best international sporting event. Watch the games with your children, wives, husbands, parents and all your loved ones. Our country has been through a lot, time to have some fun!!
DesertFox

Bellaid is way better than Halliche – I don’t know what Algerian’s expect – to take on 5 players and score or something? Compare how Bellaid tracked back to disposess Keane who had a lead on him and Halliche in CAN with his wild kicks and sloppy tackles.

If you can’t see that and Saadane can’t see that then there’s really no hope.
DesertFox

I hope Bougherra and Yahia have the good sense to speak to Saadane about Bellaid instead of Halliche. I have long been a critic of Halliche. I don’t understand why no one else can see this.
DesertFox

This team just doesn’t want to win enough.
Saadane has given this team the worst preparation concievable.
I don’t care if Algeria wins the world cup, he has to go. You can’t have this kind of unconventional style of play and expect to get anywhere.
Uthman

Joke number one:
- Algeria has done nothing for palestine so far.

Joke number two:
- Bellaid is better than Halliche.

Joke number three:
-Matmour is a striker.

Joke number four:
-Algeria plays semi-finals (inchallah im wrong, but honestly brothers and sisters….)
abd

Uthman I will take this world cup opportunity to dream wild and big. There is also a possibility we might be out in 3 games -inshllah not- but at least some where in my head we where lifting the trophy

Last article in El-Heddaf says that Saadane is going back to the 3-5-2. With Halliche, Bougherra and Antar as the definite central defense partnership. I don’t know who will fill the other posts, but Matmour as a striker isn’t that bad, especially after Ghezzal’s inability to score a goal so far. Would welcome Djebbour and Matmour up front.
DesertFox

Bellaid is better than Halliche. Are you related to Halliche or something – he playe forwards onside, takes wild swings at the ball instead of heading it clear – he is a real liability.

http://www.france24.com/en/20100530-gaza-activists-aid-ships-set-off-blockade-breaking-israel-flotilla

Notice the flag at the beginning. Man talking on his mobile phone.
DZMouloudiaMCO

“Bellaid is better than Halliche”, now that’s funny, Desertfox, you get jokes, very funny guy.
abd

Congratulations to Mouloudia and their fans “Chenawa”.

Halliche is still young, and shows great potential. He is third in the pecking order of Center backs. Right behind Bougie and Antar Yahia.
DesertFox

Shame algerians use their hearts instead of their brains to think. What did Bellaid do that was so wrong during the Ireland match? Do you guys watch Halliche during league games?

What’s all this Chenwa business?
DZMouloudiaMCO

DesertFOX:)

You do not know who are the Chenawa???
For how long you have been watching football?
Mouloudia d’Alger fans are called Chenawa, and today, the MCA won the Algerian championship.

Ad for Belaid:) No comments.
DesertFox

You know its funny. Football is evolving to the point where there are no more ‘easy’ teams left. Algeria might be the last ‘easy’ team in the world. Algeria deserves better – or maybe we don’t.
DesertFox

Domestic football in Algeria doesn’t interest me. Most of my relatives in Algeria who know about football don’t takt the domestic leagues that seriously either. So sorry I don’t know about Chnawa, Hnoud and whoever else…
abd

You don’t know the Chenawa!!! loyal fans notorious for their passionate supporting of Mouloudia.

A proper introduction is due:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4E5msxzeTK4&feature=fvw
DZMouloudiaMCO

DesertFox,

Is that so very interesting prospective.
DZMouloudiaMCO

If you do not mind me asking, how old are you DesertFox?

Fi khater tawehna:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDmd0pTkl8w&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZVFASQU8t0&feature=related
Uthman

@abd:
i know what you mean, in my dreams we make it to th semis, too. but that would be just the beginning as my dream goes.
after that superb result, more of young algerian french talents will join the team.
2012 we will be african champions after winning the finals against egypt 4:0 ..goals: 2 belfodil, 1 hadj aissa, 1 boudebouz. and two assists for sayoud.
about 2013 the young paradou fc players join the team plus some other local talents as the algerian league will be doin better (inchallah) and after winning acn2010 metsu deciedes to sign a new contract till WC2010.
my dream didnt finish yet:
2013 (yes i mean 2013) algeria defends its title in lybia after winning the finals against Cameroun 2:1 in extra time. scorer of the winning goal sayoud amir. the first one was by the paradou talent oussama.
the world cup qualifiers were no problem. after getting 16 points from 6 games..we eliminated south africa and Mali, since the other top teams (egy,cam,civ,gha,nig) were giving each another group as africa got 6 spots and not 5 no more……

my dream goes on:

in brazil we win the world cup against brazil…..
3:1…….metsu gets the algerian citizenship. the whole team members get the “ex-moudjahidin-status”, algeria celebrates for 3 months in a row…and after that historical victory every algerian will see that nothing is impossible and begins to improve hisself and his society….and by 2022 our country will get the invitation to the g8 to become a member….

LOL….thats what happens when i dream about algeria…but hey who knows, maybe 2010 is just a beginning!!!
hicham

whoaa this is wild. but some of the CAN parts were completely common wishes in the 80s…

ok KAZI! where are YOUUUUU??

CHNAOUA NOT DEAD!!!!!

godddd, I needed that one… I even left work to go home and watch the game. small disappointment re: the turn up to 5 juillet. but a MASSIVE party that was.

spent the entire evening and night singing yMCA! well until my wife graciously asked me to get lost.

after the ireland game and zamalek’s bashing by ahly I felt there was no hope.

hey nazim, here’s one for you. the ‘morons’ physically beat the crap outta ismail youssef at the football comitte meeting of the club. they will never stop stunning me… really. I have no idea where their limit is.

have a cool one.

this means one thing btw… new algerian / egyptian war soon. MCA/AHLY in champs league means BIG business.

it’s like 1976/1977 again.
Kazi

You know what, bravo Chnaoua. I’m not going to be sour and be miserable, of course I would have loved ESS to win but it just wasn’t to be. And besides, if my father was with me today he would be jumping for joy. Mabrouk to all chnaoua, Nazim and Hicham.

Uthman, there is only one part of your dream that is far too far-fetched. Winning the Brazil world cup. I have the theory that any team that beats Brazil in that world cup will be killed or tortured or kidnapped for ransom. So I hope it won’t be us .

But if we do get Tafer, Belfodil, Feghouli and Brahimi,that would be fantastic, along with Benyamina (Soufiane), Saayoud, and many members of the Paradou academy and U17 WC squad insha Allah, than we will have a force to be reckoned with, and we should be surpassing Ivory Coast or possibly Ghana as favourites to end Egypt’s reign. That would be a dream come true.
hicham

thanks Kazi. hopefully ESS will win the ACL this year and both MCA and ESS will play next one.

hah… maaan Ive always wondered what i was like the day Uruguay beat brazil in Maracana before 200,000 spectators on the 1950 WC final… time probably stopped.
DesertFox

Brazil is now one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Times have changed. Not only that, but Brazil fans are good sportsmen. I once saw Argentina beat Brasil IN Brazil – and the fans applauded the argentinians – so did the Brazil B team, but I think that was more out of a sense of frustration. Still I cant you imagine egyptians doing something like that.
Kazi

This is different DesertFox, this is a WC.
Uthman

Brazil is one of the wealthiest contries in the world…..
do you mean as algeria in one of the wealthiest countries in the world (which is technicaly the absolut truth)…..sure brazil has economical potential, but i think its the same story like most 3rd world countries: rich county, poor population…
brazils favelas are still there, no matter how nice the economical figures are…we are talking about wealth which 93% of the population heard of but never seeing it.

i know this has nothing to do with football realy, but im just pissed by people critisizing south africa but mean while many are already talking about the big party2014 in brazil, which gonna be a catastroph, because i dont see brazil capable of hosting 32 teams with delegations.
Abd

See Uthman we all have crazy dreams!! but I have to admit yours is pretty well planned and very detailed

I think Brazil will host a magnificent world cup. They have lots of good stadiums, plus they are a touristic country, so they have a good basic infrastructure to build on. Being a rising economic power, they have lots to prove to the world, just like China with the Beijing Olympics. I hope China can host the world cup, it would be very interesting to see what they can do with it. Now a country you know that might have difficulty organizing a World cup, is Qatar. I love them as an Arab Muslim country, and they did well with the Asian Olympics, but really the World Cup is on a whole different level. But still, 2022 for me is Qatar

I won’t even mention Algeria…….. 2015-17 Inshallah African cup of nations :~(
DesertFox

Yes, Brazil is one of the wealthiest countries in the world – the favellas will disappear in a few years time with cheap credit and low income housing. Google Tupi oil field and Jupiter field. Brazil now exports more oil than it imports – will join OPEC in a few years.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_(nominal)

Generally well diversified economy on the up.

If you judge a countries wealth solely by the poverty that exists, then the US must be the poorest country in the world given the living conditions and many of its citizens and lack of healthcare.

Social justice is a different issue to wealth. Brazil is on its way to overtaing european countries in GDP terms.