Next summer, Algeria will take part in the third World cup in their history. The ambition must be to improve. In 1982 and 1986 the Fennecs enjoyed consecutive qualifications, but left after the first round. Still, these were not journies without honour: in Spain ‘82, Algeria pulled off a shock by beating West Germany 2-1, a memorable success acquired thanks to goals of Madjer and Belloumi. Then followed controversy: the Germans went on to face Austria, and with Algeria having already met Chile in the final day of the group stage, it was known that a 1-0 or 2-0 win to Germany would see both the Mannschaft and their neighbours through. Inevitably, it was a 1-0 win for West Germany in a game that could barely have been called a contest. Even fans of both countries involved were disgusted, but Algeria went home nonetheless.

Four years later in Mexico, Algeria struggled. Disturbed by internal conflicts, they took only one point out of a possible six, thanks to an unspectacular draw against Northern Ireland.

Strengths
If Algeria succeeded in making their return on the scene world, it is mainly thanks to the freshness and the discipline of their young squad. In the past, the Fennecs had often disappointed by their lack of consistency and professionalism, but this time things are different. During qualification,, one could note the extent of this transfiguration. More solid, more homogeneous and also and especially more interdependent, Ziani and his partners became irresistible at times. The Egyptians, champions of the continent, can testify to that. Algeria win and lose as a professional team.

Star Men
Antar Yahia (VfL Bochum)
Karim Ziani (VfL Wolfsburg)
Rafik Saifi (Al Khor, Qatar)