Sometimes when expectations are as low as they get, good things happen and this is exactly what Algeria hopes for at the World Cup 2014. This is only the second time they participate in a tournament of this magnitude, but this won't have a deterring effect on the African nation. They know that they start with the worse chance to win the tournament and the fact that the odds are 1500 to 1 doesn't matter at all.
What they will try to achieve in Brazil is to win a match in the group stage, or at least collect a point, with South Korea being the easiest target. The most likely outcome for Algeria is to be eliminated and finish last in Group H, but if this happens, they won't be criticized back at home. Coach Hilihodzic is experienced enough to know his team's limitations, but if he prepares the game well enough, he could cause a lot of problems to both Russia and Belgium.
Group stage and event prospects
There are many who still remember their inspiring performance against England four years ago and their defense only got better. They don't have too many strikers capable of actually scoring goals, so winning games will be rather difficult. The qualifying campaign was a bit bumpy due to their lack of offensive capabilities, but all is well that ends well and Algeria will be playing football in Brazil this June is
Compared to the team that played in 2010, the squad sent to South America by coach Hilihodzic features many new faces, some of them tested in African competitions. The teams they share the group with are not top class, but still far better than Algeria and they would be wrong to celebrate after the draw. Their chances to win the group are insignificant and despite the fact that 29 to 1 looks like value, punters shouldn't even think about placing such a wager.
Key players for Algeria at the World Cup
In the absence of any remarkable players, Algeria will need to play as a team and this is why coach Hilihodzic is expected to play a central role. Depending on what strategy he chooses and the manner in which his players will abide to his indications, the Africans will stand a chance or not. The players that are expected to score the goals are Islam Silmani and Yacine Brahimi, as they play quite well together and are some of the most promising youngsters.
Bougherra and Adlene Guediora are accomplished players who played a critical role in Algeria's success during the qualifying campaign. They also serve an offensive purpose but they will run into opponents that are far better than the African nations they faced last year. Those who are bold enough to bet on Islam Silmani to be the top scorer at the World Cup 2014 will enjoy odds of 500 to 1 at Bet365.
The bottom line
I wouldn't invest Monopoly money on Algeria to make a deep run at the World Cup and even surviving the group stage looks like a bridge too far. Don't expect them to fail miserably though, because the North African team is disciplined and under Hilihodzic's command could stun teams in the group stage.
