Countdown to Brazil: Algeria’s Ambitious Road to the 2014 World Cup
With the FIFA World Cup set to kick off in Brazil in just days, Africa’s five representatives are gearing up for the continent’s biggest football spectacle. Algeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Nigeria carry the hopes of millions as they aim to make an impact beyond the group stage. For Algeria, the tournament holds special significance as the North African nation looks to build on past experiences and deliver a memorable performance.
Algeria at a Glance
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF), founded in 1962, oversees a team affectionately known as the Desert Gladiators, El Khadra, or The Fennecs. Ranked 22nd in the world by FIFA, Algeria enters the tournament with cautious optimism under the guidance of coach Vahid Halilhodžić. The team’s slogan for the competition — “Desert Warriors in Brazil” — reflects their fighting spirit.
Algeria will contest their fourth World Cup finals, having previously qualified in 1982, 1986, and 2010. The squad narrowly secured their place in Brazil by defeating Burkina Faso in a tense play-off. The team’s fixtures in Group H are as follows:
June 17: Belgium vs Algeria
June 22: South Korea vs Algeria
June 26: Algeria vs Russia
A Team Reborn
After reaching a low point in FIFA rankings at 103rd in July 2008, Algeria has dramatically improved to its current 22nd place. This resurgence is reflected not only in rankings but also in a renewed attacking threat. Unlike their goalless campaign in 2010, this year’s team boasts a young, dynamic squad eager to make their mark.
Coach Halilhodžić has fostered a positive atmosphere, blending experience with emerging talent. Key players such as Faouzi Ghoulam, Sofiane Feghouli, and Nabil Bentaleb embody this mix and are expected to play pivotal roles.
Star Player: Sofiane Feghouli
The Valencia winger Sofiane Feghouli is Algeria’s attacking talisman. Known for his pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability, Feghouli is poised to trouble opposing defences throughout the tournament. Although he started his international career with France’s Under-21 side, Feghouli switched allegiance to Algeria in 2011 and has since become a mainstay, scoring crucial goals in qualifiers. At 24, he represents the team’s dynamism and hope.
Player to Watch: Nabil Bentaleb
Tottenham’s young midfielder Nabil Bentaleb is one of Algeria’s brightest prospects. At just 19, Bentaleb impressed with his composure, work rate, and tactical intelligence during his breakthrough season in the Premier League. His recent call-up to the national team highlights his potential to become a future leader. Halilhodžić’s faith in the youngster signals a new era for Algerian football.
Squad Overview
Algeria’s squad features a balanced mix of domestic and European-based players:
Goalkeepers: Rais M’Bolhi (CSKA Sofia), Mohamed Zemmamouche (USM Alger), Mohamed Cédric (CS Constantine)
Defenders: Faouzi Ghoulam (Napoli), Madjid Bougherra (free agent), Essaid Belkalem (Watford), Lyassine Cadamuro (Real Mallorca), and others
Midfielders: Nabil Bentaleb (Tottenham), Yacine Brahimi (Granada), Saphir Taider (Inter Milan), Hassan Yebda (Udinese)
Forwards: Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia), Islam Slimani (Sporting Lisbon), Ryad Mahrez (Leicester City), Hilal Soudani (Dinamo Zagreb)
Projected Lineup
A likely starting XI includes M’Bolhi in goal; Medjani, Bougherra, Ghoulam, and Cadamuro in defence; midfield anchored by Bentaleb, Taider, and Brahimi; and an attacking trio featuring Feghouli, Soudani, and Slimani.
As Algeria prepares to showcase their talent on football’s grandest stage, the Desert Warriors aim to write a new chapter in their footballing history and inspire a continent with their passion and skill.
