The Enemy Part 2: Algeria

Few people realize the popularity of football in Algeria, a nation to which Zidane, Samir Nasri, and Karim Benzema can trace their roots. The Algerian team unofficially predates the actual country, being formed just before independence from France in the 1950's. Despite the passion for the sport in Algeria, the nation has traditionally been a poor performer at the international level, with many young Algerians choosing to ply their trade in France rather then in their native country. A lone African Cup of Nations in 1990 is the only international distinction the side has won, and South Africa will only be the country's third world cup. Algeria's qualifying group was largely devoid of any significant opposition besides Egypt, who they beat out in a tense playoff.
The majority of Algerian players are based in their home country with some notable exceptions. The Portsmouth duo Nadir Belhadj and Hassan Yebda will both be donning the green jersey in the upcoming African Cup of Nations. While neither player is a real star, they are consistent players in a top (although maybe not for long) European club. One player who will no doubt be troubling to other group C members is Wolfsberg midfielder Karim Ziani, who was instrumental in Algerias qualification, and has made his round of top clubs including Marseille, Sochux, and recently Wolfsburg. This team is difficult to read in terms of style, and I'll be watching them closely when they play tough competition in the African Cup of Nations. As of yet all the USA fans have to watch is the Algeria Egypt game, which had a host of external factors affecting the players (like fear for their lives). Is we can take solace in anything, its that the game was close, with Algeria narrowly beating out Egypt, while the USA caned Egypt in the Confederations Cup.