Vahid Halilhodzic Ready to Defy the Odds with Algeria at World Cup
Vahid Halilhodzic, one of football’s most seasoned coaches, is preparing for his first World Cup tournament as head coach of Algeria. Despite his vast experience, this Brazilian World Cup marks a debut on football’s grandest stage for the Bosnian tactician.
Facing a daunting Group H fixture against tournament favourites Belgium this Tuesday, Halilhodzic is fired up and determined to prove the critics wrong. The coach, affectionately known as “The Fennecs’ leader,” is ready to fight for Algeria’s historic progress in the competition.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with AFP, Halilhodzic shared his thoughts ahead of the crucial match:
Is your team ready?
“The players have worked hard and know what to expect tomorrow. We are ready to start, yes.”
On Algeria’s youthful squad and their ambitions, he added:
“Algeria is a young team, looking to pull off a feat. We have nothing to lose. We’ll have to give it our all to have no regrets. We’re starting the tournament boldly. We’ll have to try something. If we want to advance from the first round for the first time, we’ll have to pull off three feats—not just against the Belgians.”
Halilhodzic also addressed the intense pressure he has faced since leading Algeria to World Cup qualification:
“This is my first World Cup. Yes, there’s pressure from the 40 million Algerian coaches. And pressure from the press, which was very unfair to me after qualifying. I’ll never forget those who insulted my family. But I’m not afraid, and I want to be a player in this World Cup. If we die, it will have to be with honours.”
Despite the criticism, Halilhodzic remains proud of his work. “Everything that criticises me makes me stronger. I’m proud of what I did for three years in Algeria.”
As Algeria prepare to take on Belgium, all eyes will be on Halilhodzic and his team to see if they can achieve the breakthrough their nation has long awaited.
