20100620
allafrica

Cape Town — Algeria kept themselves in with a sniff of a place in the knockout stages of the World Cup with a draw against the might of England at the Green Point Stadium on Friday, but must beat the Americans on June 23 to stand any chance of progress.

Even then, their progress would depend on a favourable outcome in the other group game being played at the same time between the English and Slovenia.

But Friday's draw against one of the World Cup favourites is a triumph in itself for a side given little chance of going home with any points from a tough group.

Algeria were cast as one of the worst sides to represent Africa at the World Cup since Zaire in 1974 but can now defy all expectations by progressing from the group and into the business end of the tournament.

Coach Rabah Saadane tweaked his team for Friday’s match after a loss against Slovenia in Polokwane. He changed the goalkeeper, handing the task of keeping the highly-paid English strikers at bay to Rais M’bouhli, who was winning only his second cap.

But M’bouhli did not have much to do, protected by a determined back four in which Majid Boigherra and Rafik Halliche played above themselves.

There has been much made of a supposedly boring English performance but that is disrespectful to the spoiling role that Algeria played, giving their opponents little space and time and generally making England look pedestrian.

England managed only two real chances in the game before an expectant capacity crowd; a shot from Frank Lampard in the first half and a Steven Gerrard header in the second.

Algeria had a couple of half chances themselves, but looked almost disbelieving that they had been able to breach the English defence and as a result did not take up the opportunities.

Most important is the boost they would have received to their morale, and the belief it gives them for the match against the USA.

It will be a tough task for a side of limited potential but if the head space is right, Algeria could yet continue this fairytale.