Famous sportscaster to “Echorouk”:Algeria in the best lane for the World Cup

Talking in an interview to “ Echorouk”, the famous sportscaster in the Arab channel “ART” Aissam Cheouali has declared that the draw of the Algerian squad with Rwanda was very important in the light of the slip of the of the Egyptian team before Zambia at home, predicting better chances for the “Greens” to qualify for the World Cup provided that the players keep the faith.

•  Q: What are your comments about the match between Algeria and Rwanda and the one that opposed Egypt to Zambia?
• A: I think that the result is excellent for the Algerian squad if we consider that the opposite side is not easy to manage especially at home, Morocco was thrashed by the same squad earlier, that’s why I consider a draw as an excellent outcome especially after the mitigated result of at home before Zambia. It is pivotal, in my view, for the Algerian squad to win the other matches at home in order to fulfill the Algerians’ dream and reach the World Cup competition.
• Q: How do you evaluate the Algerian squad’s chances to qualify to this prestigious competition?
• A: Believe me, the Algerian chances are intact not only to take part in the African Nations’ Cup in Angola 2010, mathematically it’s doable.
• Q: And what about the media uproar around the double confrontation between Algeria and Egypt in these qualifiers?
• A: I think that sport in the Arab world has become another factor of dissention between the people; extremism has reached its peak and our notion of sport grew chaotic, everybody refuses defeat considering it shameful. I would like to add that some media professionals have their part of responsibility in this situation in the sense that they transformed a mere football match to a matter of death or life, that’s I advise them to temper the moods and denounce all forms of violence.
• Q: We’ve heard that you will comment the “hot “ match between Algeria and Egypt, if it was the case here does your heart lie especially that you are a big fan of the Algerian club Es Setif?
• A: I have already commented the historic match in Souse,Tunisia, and the question is not that easy because I have to chose between a neighboring country (Algeria) and a brother one (Egypt) , what matters for me is that an Arab contender is on the list because I reiterate my warning of Zambia that remains one of the serious rivals and mustn’t be forgotten.
• Q: Coming back to Es Setif, what can you say about this year’s version of the Arab Champion’s League?
• A: The Maghreban clubs towered above this competition and Es Setif has become the “fruit” of the Arab Champion’s League and I must admit that their fans are very special; they echo that of the European competitions.
• Q: what can you say about the Algerian sportscaster Hafidh Derradji?
• A: I like his style and he’s a touchstone in the Algerian commentary history.
• Q: Who impresses you the most among the Algerian players ?
• A: Algeria is emerald school, Makhloufi, Dehleb, Benchikh.. Personally I like the 1980s stars like Belloumi, Assad and Madjer .. Nowadays I prefer Lemouchia, Djediat Laamouri and Marseille’s Ziani.
• Q: What about Hadj Aissa whom you penned as the best player in Algeria and his place is in Europe?
• A: He’s very talented and has to play in Europe; I have advised him several times to think about a professional career because a footballer lifespan is too short and one has to grab the chance before is too late.
• Q: Last word?
• A: I9 ‘de like to thank your newspaper for this kind invitation, and wish more success for the Algerian sport in the hope to come back on track.