JOHANNESBURG: Shock World Cup qualifiers Algeria and Slovenia clash on Sunday in Polokwane in a Group C match neither team dare lose.
Pundits make England hot favorites to top the table with the United States widely expected to accompany the ‘Three Lions’ into the knockout phase after finishing Confederations Cup runners-up in South Africa last year.
Slovenia is given virtually no chance of avoiding the first round cut while Algeria have been dismissed beyond their borders as a country making up the numbers in the 32-team tournament.
It is an ironic situation given that both nations made it to South Africa via play-off victories over opponents occupying top-20 positions in the FIFA rankings.
Slovenia eliminated Guus Hiddink-managed Russia on away goals after winning 1-0 at home through a Zlatko Dedic goal following a 2-1 away loss in a play-off between teams who finished runners-up in their group.
And Algeria returned to the World Cup after a 24-year absence by edging record six-time African champions Egypt 1-0 in neutral Omdurman thanks to an Anther Yahia goal just before half-time.
It was a heroic triumph as a bus carrying the ‘Desert Foxes’ had been attacked by rock-throwing Egyptian supporters before a qualifier in Cairo a few days before, shattering windows and leaving several Algerians injured.
France-based midfielder Yazid Mansouri led his countrymen through the 13-match qualifying campaign, but will not shake hands with Slovenia captain Robert Koren from English Premiership club West Bromwich Albion.
Veteran Mansouri has been omitted by coach Rabah Saadane with Hassan Yebda from FA Cup runners-up Portsmouth taking his place owing to superior form and Yahia assuming the captaincy.
Although Algeria did not get beyond the first round in 1982 despite defeating West Germany and Chile nor in 1986 with much stronger squads than that in South Africa, Saadane remains hopeful.
"We will play each game like a cup final. We are going to compensate for technical weaknesses with the desire we have always shown in our qualifying matches," said the five-time national coach.
The grandfather with the walrus moustache has ceded first place in the group to England and his admiration for the ‘Three Lions’ extends to addressing their Italian manager Fabio Capello as Mr Capello.
Slovenia, an independent country since 1991 when the former Yugoslavia broke up, share the sentiment that they, the United States and Algeria are fighting to finish runners-up.
"England are a very strong team and we want to be second.
We will leave first position for England," said defender Matej Mavric from German lower division club Coblenz.
Slovenia, making a second World Cup appearance after losing to Spain, Paraguay and South Africa in South Korea eight years ago, appear likelier winners.
Given the win-or-bust nature of the game it is certain to be cautious with a moment of magic from either team capable of settling who takes the three crucial points.
Ziani is the best Algerian bet with his creativity on the right side of midfield while Koren organizes Slovenia from a central position.
