Rabah Saadane’s 25 preliminary players for South Africa’s World Cup

the list is a big dissapointment for me.

no Ziaya and an 35 old man as the third striker.

no hadj aisaa, no metref, no bouazza….i dont get it.

two positive points for me are boudebouz and m´bohli.

i start to worry a little….does saadane doing the best he can….i doubt a little

I am kind of happy with the list, not because of 2 new Center backs, or a highly rated 3rd keeper, or even 2 good midfielders Boudebouz and Geudioura. I was mostly impressed by Saadane’s decisiveness. This way, 2 friendly games are enough, as we can rotate the whole squad to get ample playing time, and the training camp will focus more on developing team chemistry and cohesion instead of picking new players.

I would still have called Hadj Aissa though. And as far as I am concerned there is no Right Back yet??

A right back will be brought in for Ireland I assume, he must want Laifaoui as a sub as he is more defensive minded. Well generally good. Saifi’s name made my heart sink a little – I must admit. I would have retired from international football in his position. Inshallah khair. Hadj Aissa I think will be brought in – he’s a nice wildcard to have, but who knows? Bouazza is injured, assuming he makes a full recovery is in. Foued Kadir and Djamel Mesbah I can understand, but I can’t see them getting many games. Unless Algeria wins the first 2 games and he wants to rest Ziani and play a more offensive game against the US. Who knows? Who knows? Who knows? Only Saadane knows, and maybe not even… : )

I love the way the world’s media is reporting this event like its soooooooo important who Algeria brings to the world cup… very unusual isn’t it?

i really dont understand why hadj aissa is not in it i rather have him then safi now any day because hes the only guy who will penatrate into little holes and find a way to get in and score or give a good foward pass and bouazza is injured btw

Hadj Aissa needs to get a hair cut first:)

good move from saadane
in my opinion, he can t find better
in front of giant teams like England , USA and the determinated team of Slovenia , making the game is impossible with the actual conditions.
So taking the midfield and built a wall of defender with a fast conter from belhadj , matmor and ziana how can help the actual strikers, we can frustrate our opener and why not beat them inchallah
we hope to honor our Arab friends and others

for me, its a good list, there is no Right Back because i think he will play with 3-5-2, or he will put yahia on the right, and hadj aissa has no experience so he can’t give something in the world cup against england or usa. but saifi is a leader, and the guy was here since “1998″ he played for the algerian flag, because 10 years ago it was dificult for algerian players, they was not payed, but saifi was always here. and now you want to private him from a world cup in his last year? and “bouazza and bezzaz” are injured. so i think saadane can’t find better. i think we can do it, we musn’t over-value england, and slovenia and usa are very beatable.
AND SORRY FOR MY ENGLISH “IF THERE IS ANY MISTAKE”

Saifi is somehow a disappointment to me too, but then again, Saadane is giving a chance to the original qualifiers line up.

now in crans-montana everyone’s gonna go through endurance tests – both physical and mental – and you all know that some will not pass.

He’s obviously putting a few priorities like discipline, fitness / stamina and professionalism upfront and I totally support that.

It’s true that I’m disappointed by the almost complete absence of locals but I can definitely see why he’s not taken a few golden boys who are very talented – no doubt about it – but have a discipline and fitness problem as seen in the Algerian Cup final, the A’ games against libya or others.

I totally second Sami re: Ghazali. It’s another definite deception for me. I really saw in him the ideal super sub in the last 15 mins of a game.

please give us more clues khouya sami…. bel3arbia itha ma7abbetsh el jawassiss yefehmo.

saha

I am happy with the list. I hope Raouraoua will succeed in convincing the CAF to let the other players play at least against England (Although I have a feeling Egypt will do anything in their power to stop that from happening…lol). Slovania seems very determined so we should take the game seriously and Inshallah we will beat them.

I do have a question: Chaouchi did not play against Nigeria or Serbia, shouldn’t he only be benched for one more game (Against Slovania) or the friendlies don’t count?

Algeria face a really tough time at the World Cup. They might not even score a goal. There are some tough teams in their and even Slovenia are no mugs.

L’Algerienne,

Chouchi also missed the two Games against Libya with the locals, so inchalah, he will be ready against Slovenia.

Not sure why people are disappointed that Saadan did do call up more locals, did you guys see their two games against Libya??? What’s wrong with the current team??? are they less Algerian than the locals??? or if you are born abroad you are less Algerian???? or is it that they do not speak much Arabic:) last time i checked, most of the generation that fought for Algeria, was francophone .
Most of the posters in this blog reside out side of Algeria, so is their kids less Algerian????
I do understand, that our federation has to restructure our football, but for now, they have to work with what they have, and its not Saadan’s fault that most of the locals are كرعين لمعيز
Just look at ZiAYA, he only plays for Saudi team , and the guy thinks he is the next Messi.

DZMOULOUDIA, thanks for the info.

It is easy to take someone out of Algeria but it is IMPOSSIBLE to take Algeria out of us. In my eyes, they are Algerians and I am honored that they represent us…No matter where they lived. I am pretty sure that if we had great locals who Saadane would have picked them. We will be playing against mosty european teams, so his pick can’t hurt us at this point.

As and Algerian, who was born and raised in Algeria, I hope this team makes it.

Koulna khawa.

of course the entire teqm is algerian. cant stand that controversial horseshit honeslty.

what more do you need than someone WANTING to play for algeria knowing that there is no coming back to any other nation’s team?

france had no pbs having a ‘zinedine’ or ‘makelele’ when it came to winning cups, right?

in fact, I want to get back to the saifi vs ziaya issue. I cant really make my mind. that’s my problem. Im not disappointed by Saifi’s inclusion finally. great player. has given more than anyone else in the current team. but he’s old and not that great anymore. ziaya scores but after watching half a dozen of Ittihad Jeddah games; I can 100% confirm that the dude don’t run at all. if he misses, he just walks back and THAT doesnt make him more useful than Saifi who played for so long and can still give (though not much). but then again, Saifi aint no Milla after all.

so Ive no idea really. besides both would be subs; yeh?

ok. I was just ranting…

these players are almost the best we have. the uncalled locals arent fit. look at ESS vs that zambian team 10 days ago. they couldnt run in the second half. they didnt make much difference against a hopeless libya but played OK in front of CAB… very convincing, isnt it?

If Saifi plays upfront will Algeria go 4-5-1? I think he’s too old to really do damage at a World Cup nowadays, great servant though he is.

Would be good if Bouazza makes it too, but its looking unlikely I guess.

Qui sont les cinq joueurs réservistes appelés par le sélectionneur algérien Rabah Saâdane mais dont il n’a pas voulu révéler les noms hier? Selon nos informations, il s’agit de Hadj Aissa (ESS), Metref (ESS), Lemouchia (ESS), Meftah (JSK) et Chadli (Mayence, Allemagne). La décision de Saâdane de différer l’annonce des noms de ces joueurs s’explique dans la volonté du sélectionneur de disposer d’une marge de manoeuvre en cas de blessure de l’une d’entre-eux, d’autant que le championnat national de D1 n’est pas encore terminé, ajoutent nos sources.

http://www.tsa-algerie.com/sport/reservites-de-l-en-saadane-choisit-quatre-locaux-et-un_10604.html

well, to be honest, we need Saifi, everyone says he is too old, and maybe at the WC level he won’t be as effective, BUT he was our top scorer for the qualifiers, he is one of the few PURE strikers we have, and i think he is gonna be a very very good asset. As for starting 11, he should keep what we had in the qualifiers, unless injuries become a big issue, then put in the new kids.

alright, so now there are 25 players, what means 2 will have to go…who will saadane take out of the group??
i guess its gonna be 100% a goalkeeper and a and a mitfield player.
i think as goali its gonna be zemamouchen who will leave.
its harder to put a mitfielder out. but i think saadane will take one of the new guys out. which means kadir or guedioura….boudebouz is just too good to be questioned…its just my opinion…what do the others think???
im still sad there no hadj aissa and i still miss a fourth striker but i guess for saadane Matmour is also a striker.

With regard to ziaya or saifi – i’d take neither. If I need a sub, I’ll play matmour up front and meghni or LHA on the right wing. (Just read Uthman’s post now! On the same wavelength) Guedioura and Boudebouz for me are indispensable just because they fit like the right piece in the puzzle. How can algeria be more offensive with 2 defensive midfielders? guedioura! Boudebouz can fit in on either flank as FB or winger – so he’s in.

saifi is too old – and frankly couldn’t hit a barn, let alone a barn door! ziaya – too late. Reason I prefer ghezali? he’s fast, too young to run out of energy or care about who the opposition is. Lets hope sadaane gives him a chance.

Foued Kadir is an experiment. Supplier next to a playmaker, can’t hurt to see what he can do. Also in case of injury – you need someone with a footballing brain.

I worked out how to counter england. guedioura covers gerrard. don’t give any freekicks in dangerous positions, counter-attack quickly – and meghni in the penalty box! OK – not sure how the last part would work, but thats the general idea… : )

Algeria can’t put arial balls into the penalty area unless its during set pieces – have to thread the ball through and be patient. unless its a long ball to matmour. : )

Halliche is a problem. Should be on the bench.

Finally!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8663597.stm

This is a Swiss company – everyone uses this now. It works like a google search – for example you can type in ‘Ghezali goal’ and watch all goals scored by ghezali. ‘Ghezali assist’ and watch how he sets up a goal. Commonly used software – now used by Algeria. The company that uses it records every match in every league in the world.

Hicham – roger milla was a great player in his day. the president of cameroon called him at home after he had retired and pleaded with him to come and play. not really saifi’s case.

nah… Saifi is definitely no Milla. Neither Algeria nor any other african nation ever had a Milla. a truly unique player.

Uthman: as far as midfield; if Meghni makes it to Afsud, then it’s definitely Kadir. I can’t see Boudebouz, Guedioura or Lacen leave.

Will may be except Cameroon. Cameroon definitely had a Roger Milla.

Joker! : )

hahaha… yeh. now you make me dream… akhhh if we only had a ‘Milla’…

I had not seen the video attached to the following page…

http://www.imscouting.com/global-news-article/Manchester-United-take-goalkeeper-Rais-MBolhi-on-trial-video/7553/

so here it is in case some of you have also missed it

Not sure why people are disappointed that Saadan did do call up more locals, did you guys see their two games against Libya??? What’s wrong with the current team??? are they less Algerian than the locals??? or if you are born abroad you are less Algerian???? or is it that they do not speak much Arabic:) last time i checked, most of the generation that fought for Algeria, was francophone . Most of the posters in this blog reside out side of Algeria, so is their kids less Algerian????I do understand, that our federation has to restructure our football, but for now, they have to work with what they have, and its not Saadan’s fault that most of the locals are كرعين لمعيزJust look at ZiAYA, he only plays for Saudi team , and the guy thinks he is the next Messi.
+1

Agreed.

Emmanuel Petit’s interview to Echorouk:

http://www.echoroukonline.com/eng/index.php?news=9623

The former star of the National French Football squad, Emmanuel Petit, has told “Echorouk” that the Algeria line-up can create the event in the forthcoming World cup tournament in South Africa. According to Emmanuel Petit, the high-level players can do well in such a prestigious football competition if they demonstrate the necessary will and patriotism.

As regards FIFA, he said that the World football governing body had willingly delayed the announcement of its sanctions against Egypt, because it did not want to “poke its nose” into purely political affairs, as he put it.

Echorouk: What is your occupation now as your sporting career is over?

Emmanuel Petit: Currently, I am working as a sport consultant at the French Television and at the “TF1 TV team” and I am also negotiating a contract with a major Mexican newspaper for the analysis of World cup matches.

Apart from that, I own a services enterprise based in England from where I am speaking to you. I have now opted for a life far away from football.

Echorouk: You team-mates have preferred to choose the coaching track. What about you?

Emmanuel Petit: No, I am not at all interested in becoming a coach because such a profession will undermine my private life which is sacred for me.

Echorouk: Have you an idea about the Algerian national squad?

Emmanuel Petit : Of course, I know the Algeria squad! I watched the decisive Algeria-Egypt World cup qualifier in Sudan, and I was baffled by the level of your international players and by their enormous will on the pitch. I also heard about their mishaps in Cairo, through the media. It’s very shameful that such blameworthy things could happen nowadays in certain countries.

Echorouk : How do you see the performance of the Algeria line-up in the upcoming World cup tournament?

Emmanuel Petit: Your national team can do well and even create surprises. I know what I say : patriotism, adamant will and the potency of African teams can work miracles. Who thought that Algeria would defeat Côte d’Ivoire in the latest Africa cup of nations in Angola after being outplayed in their first fixture by the modest team of Malawi …!

Echorouk : In your opinion, can Algeria defeat England and the USA in the world cup matches?

Emmanuel Petit: Everything is possible. The England squad has several injured players who will not take part in the World cup contest. It will be more difficult with the squad of the USA who have been on the rise recently. The USA are tipped as among the main favourites to clinch the World cup trophy.

I would take any thing coming from Echourouk with a grain of salt, they are well known for fabricating interviews.

NO JOKE….

Manu invited M´bolhi on a trial. he is now in england for some tests…maybe he joins them next saison.

i have a feeling M´bolhi is going to be our new number one….i dont have no idea how he is, but ive heard alot of good things. also that manu is intressted should be good sign…one thing for sure: this guy looks impressive as a keeper, a real geant, lets hope he plays like one too….

Mbholi looks fine and I’m sure he will be a good addition. Gaouaoui will still start, although he let 3 against serbia, but that was because the back 4 were not doing their job.
I am worried saadane will again put yahia as RB. He now has enough players to fill all positions comfortably, so shouldn’t need to play anyone out of position anymore.
Inshallah khair.

CRB game TODAY

http://www.justin.tv/al_khadra_tv#r=K85KMw8~

Hey, hey, hey!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uP6_2Zth-E

I posted this before but hey!

Here’s a point to think about. How many goals does Algeria concede from the right side and how many from the left side of the field?

The Canadian Press:

The pressure is so strong on the team in Algeria this time that Saadane decided they couldn’t train at home — or even in France. The Desert Foxes will instead spend time ahead of their June 13th opening match against Slovenia training at altitude in the Swiss Alps.

“There were just too many fans here and in France,” Saadane said. “We needed a more neutral place to regroup.”

2 defensive midfielders – Lacen on the left, Yebda on the right, then take off one for Guedioura, fresh legs and more offensive threat.

Some things might be interesting:

Karim Matmour recent interview, you have to love this guy, very wise outlook:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvuCykTNz0w

Boudebouz has some moves, I saw LHA do this too, re-ignites the argument for :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4CEkSAIglo

Anyone seen this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dyt-LSNE_84

Found another interesting Belhadj analysis:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAtQ8Q4mu1c&feature=related

Good going forward bu has to get his defending sorted. Thats why I disagree with 3-5-2, because with Belhadj its automatically 2-6-2 which leads to a loss. Time and time again he doesnt cover for the CBs.

I think Boudebouz for RB given that he can play with both feet and look at how in the clip above how he can cut in, technically gifted and provides good crosses. Guedioura who I suggested some time ago would be a good RB is too valuable as defensive midfield. That leaves LHA as left winger, I think Bouazza is struggling to get fit considering we’re a month away now. That leaves a solid back 4 (Belhadj-Bougherra-Yahia-Boudebouz), a strong midfield that can hold up the ball (LHA-Lacen-Ziani-Yebda-Matmour) and that can be tweaked to make it more offensive. (You can also have Boudebouz as left winger – but who is RB?) Only problem is Ghezzal and Djebbour, are they able to play together?

Adlene Guedioura slammed home his first Wolves goal as Mick McCarthy’s men ended their first season back in the Barclays Premier League with a 2-1 win against nine-man Sunderland.

Guedioura converted Ronald Zubar’s cross with 12 minutes to go to wrap up the points after Kevin Doyle’s 10th minute penalty had cancelled out Kenwyne Jones’ opener for the visitors.

Guedioura deserved his late winner, latching onto the end of Zubar’s cross before rifling home his first goal for the club.

And from BBC:

Adlene Guedioura to stay with Wolverhampton Wanderers

Guedioura scored his first Wolves goal in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Sunderland
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Mick McCarthy says he has that he has taken up the option to sign midfielder Adlene Guedioura on a permanent basis.

Guedioura, 24, moved to Molineux on loan until the end of the season from Belgian side Charleroi in January.

“The deal is done now, it’s all sorted,” said McCarthy.

“I know he’s a good player and he’s come from Charleroi and really added something to the Premier League. He’s a lovely fellow and a good player.”

Guedioura scored his first goal for Wolves in their 2-1 win over Sunderland on Sunday.

“He shoots,” addd McCarthy. “Sometimes he shoots from ridiculous ranges but if you shoot, you score.”

Ghezzal’s team drew 1-1 with Fiorentina:

He fed Abdel Ghezzal down the right and he fired in a threatening low ball across the Fiorentina area, but no Siena player could get on the end of it to apply the finish.

But it was Frey who stole the limelight with a great save from Calaio, who struck from 15 yards after being played in by Ghezzal.

Eleven minutes from the end, Ghezzal sent in a great low cross close to the Fiorentina goal line but Calaio could not get the final touch.

///Djebbour scored again for his club///

If these 2 could figure out how to combine effectively, the whole team could come together. I was hoping to hear that Julian Faubert would come and play for Algeria in south africa. That would really strengthen the defence and the right flank. I don’t get why Guedioura’s team mate from Belgium wasn’t brought in for a try-out.

Amine Linganzi got his first game for Aston Villa.

Valenciennes 2-2 Lyon: Anyone see this one?

Foued Kadir had a shot blocked for Valenciennes but Lyon were inches away from doubling their lead when Ederson volleyed inches wide.

Lemmouchia – I’ve had enough of this guy:
A post-match brawl between Entente Setif midfielders Khaled Lemmouchia and Francis Ambane overshadowed Zanaco’s exit from this year’s Caf Champions League.

Cameroonian midfielder Ambane who came on in the last 10 minutes of the match got into an altercation with his Algerian team mate in the midst of missing two chances on goal.

The two squared up after the final whistle before being briefly separated but their fight got ugly in the Nkoloma stadium car park leaving Lemmouchia with a bloodied face as the police shielded Ambane from the wrath of some of his teammates who turned against him on the team bus.

Ziaya scored a penalty for Ittihad. Ittihad wins the cup.

yes. lemmouchia is miserable. he apparently insulted Ambane pretty vulgarly cuz this one missed a couple of goals. it’s so clear why that saadane doesn’t want any troublemakers.

guedioura = amazing

djebbour = amazing

kadir = amazing (according to recent witnesses)

Ghezzal = very very solid

everything’s looking great ‘cept the injured ones.

I have to admit that I’m not too excited by Bellaid and Medjani’s presence. I think Metref, yekhlef, or Meftah would’ve been better recruits. they seem like good mannered boys too.

oh well… we’ll see.

I still think LHA will be in south africa.

Sami with all due respect… The Usa one of the favorite to win the world cup???? Not in this lifetime…. I think Algeria will easily beat Slovenia probably 2-0 will probably lose 3-0 to england and will win 2-1 against USA… giving Algeria 6 points and making it to the second round..

I know the Usa played in the finals of the confed cup but honestly they had the luckiest streak in thier history…. It happens teams have lucky streaks maintaining that streak is much harder… The Usa is probably the best conditioned team in the world but thats it…. I think Algeria will easily beat them,but i don’t think there is any chance against England but you’re in a good group you don’t need a single point from England… just win the games you should win against the USA and slovenia and you advance….

I don’t remember saying that. The stuff above I pasted from various articles – England are clear favourites, but who knows? Kul shey fi yad Allah.

My mistake Sami.. I thought that was your opinion. Yes Englang are the clear favorite. thankfuly you don’t need any points from them… But if you get one its a bonus…LOL

If Algeria can recapture their 2009 form they will advance. if they continue their 2010 form it will be a disaster… Inshalla they can regain their 2009 form.

Good point about Ziaya vs Lahsen and how they were approached:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf1G-jtfCu0

I think Saadane came up with a good group. Zemmamouche will probably be cut, as well as Kadir, unless Meghni’s remains injured. I think we all know that the team could come with a shocker if they make less mistake and capitalize on the few given occasions. I hope Saifi will start on the bench, with Djebbour as a 9, and Ghezzal in support. If they win the first game against Slovenia anything could happen and they would force USA and Slovenia to kill each other on the second game.

Match Date – Time Venue Results
5 12/06 20:30 Rustenburg England Background USA
6 13/06 13:30 Polokwane Algeria Background Slovenia
22 18/06 16:00 Johannesburg – JEP Slovenia Background USA
23 18/06 20:30 Cape Town England Background Algeria
37 23/06 16:00 Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth Slovenia Background England
38 23/06 16:00 Tshwane/Pretoria USA Background Algeria

Cape Town is really cold in June apparently…

Shiiiiiit meghni can’t play this worldcup