Matmour eager to play for Algeria

An Algerian-born football player of German Borussia Monchengladbach denied allegations that he had refused to play for his country’s national squad.

• According to Karim Matmour, the Algerian national coach Rabeh Saadane did not ask him to play for Algeria. Yet, he is ready to play again with the “Green.”
• “I did not participate in qualification matches for the World Cup due to a decision made by Rabeh Saadane,” he told Echorouk.
• “I used to play for the Algerian squad but the technical staff this time decided otherwise though I have been attached to the team. I always keep an eye on how it is going on with it,” he added.
• Matmour says he is keen to play for his country especially when it is a home match. “That’s would be extremely wonderful,” he said.
• Algeria was drawn against Egypt, Rwanda and Zambia in Group C in the final qualifying round for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
• “Playing against Africans whatever their country is difficult. The Algerian squad has many talents and it will be able to win,” the Algerian international player said.
•  “We are not afraid of Egypt or any other team,” he stressed.
• Karim Matmour, 23, began his playing career with RC Strasbourg. He joined amateur side Vauban Strasbourg briefly before leaving to Germany to join SC Freiburg’s reserve side. He was promoted to the first team where he made 80 league appearances in 3 seasons in the Bundesliga II.
• He seeks to produce better performance with Borussia Monchengladbach but he is still dreaming of playing for Algeria’s national team for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup finals.