Rafik Halliche to Echorouk: “I was happy to score my first goal with Algeria’s team … We will face Angola with the spirit of Omderman

Algeria’s international and brilliant defender Rafik Halliche expressed his happiness following his first goal during his career with the Algerian team, noting that the victory over Mali was very difficult and the next match against Angola will be more difficult because they will play in their land and before their public.  

• -Rafik, what is your opinion about this victory over Mali?
• *We were in danger that’s why we were obliged to win in order to keep our chances of qualification for the next round. Our willpower was strongest than the Malians who have a lot of stars, but the stars do not make a team. We were stronger than them, particularly in the individual diodes and high balls, as we focused on their points of force which are in the midfield.
• -After this victory, what are the chances of Algeria’s team in the next round?
• We are currently better than we were in the first match, as we occupy the third place after Malawi. Our chances on paper less than Angola which will play at home and in front of its fans, however, everything will be decided on the green field.
• –You will play against Angola which will use the land and public in order to win, so how do you expect the scenario of this match?
• The match will not be easy for both teams, despite Angola will play at home and in front of large number of fans, but this does not worry us at all, as we are accustomed to high pressure and are forced to win in order to avoid any accounts. Luckily we were able to bring hope again, and we are determined to play with the spirit of Omderman in order to win over Angola and prove that we are a team which deserves qualification to Africa Cup and World Cup 2010.
• -Could you promise Algerians fans to score other goals before Angola?
• *I was very happy with the first goal, my wish was to score for my team and I hope to continue scoring in every match, particularly before Angola.
• -In your group, you have the weakest attack with one goal; don’t you think that the front line is weak?
• * The team does not have only two strikers, and scoring is not their own task, any player can score goals. One goal in two matches does not mean that we suffer a weak front line; in contrast we have strong strikers that scare any defence. High humidity and hot weather were the cause behind our weak performance during the first match. Everyone saw the match. In the second match there was tight control on our strikers who have performed their duty to the fullest. It is not important who scores in a team, victory is more important because we all represent Algeria and are ready to sacrifice for the national colours.