Algeria can erase ‘82 scars against England

AFRICA’S Desert Foxes have never recorded a World Cup victory since their controversial exit 28 years ago in the finals held in Spain.

• In that tournament, they managed to take home maximum points after beating Chile 3-2 in Oviedo to spark jubilations among their fans.
• Having reached the 2010 World Cup in such dramatic fashion after edging Egypt 1-0 in a play-off, it is not all gloom for the North Africans.
• England can talk about their 44-year drought since their first and only World Cup triumph but it is no longer about the hype the English media brings into the equation but more about what Fabio Capello’s men can do on the day.
• It is not fair to dwell so much on Algeria’s first game were they lost out to Slovenia 1-0 after a goalkeeping error.
• Match statistics clearly showed that Algeria were the better side but just couldn’t get the breakthrough.

• With the likes of Rafik Saifi, Karim Ziane and Majid Bougherra in their ranks, Algeria will be no easy push overs for England whose defence has been further depleted by an injury to Ledley King.