Algeria has promised to improve on an embarrassing World Cup record when they compete in this World Cup in Brazil which starts this week.
The Desert Foxes last won a match at the tournament 32 years ago and have only scored once in six games during two subsequent appearances.
Midfielder Foued Kadir believes that his country can do better with a more experienced side than that which flopped in South Africa four years ago.
“You will see a different Algeria in Brazil, with more maturity and experience. Our ambition is to win matches and qualify for the knockout stage. So which hinges on the first game against Belgium,” said Kadir.
The Desert Foxes last won a match at the tournament 32 years ago and have only scored once in six games during two subsequent appearances.
Midfielder Foued Kadir believes that his country can do better with a more experienced side than that which flopped in South Africa four years ago.
“You will see a different Algeria in Brazil, with more maturity and experience. Our ambition is to win matches and qualify for the knockout stage. So which hinges on the first game against Belgium,” said Kadir.
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South Korea and 2018 World Cup hosts Russia complete Group H, spread over five venues.
Kadir has been loaned to Rennes by fellow League 1 outfit Marseille and is among numerous France based Algerians vying for first team starting places. He made his debut during March in a 2-0 win in a friendly at home to Slovenia, who beat Algeria at the 2010 World Cup.
Algeria made a spectacular start to World Cup participation in 1982, shocking then European champions and eventual finalists West Germany 2-1 and also defeating Chile after losing to Austria. However, they were deprived of a second round place in Spain on goal difference after the Germans beat the Austrians in controversial circumstances.
Algeria also reached the following World Cup in 1986, but after drawing with Northern Ireland in Mexico, they lost to Brazil and Spain.
A 24 year gap ensured before the next appearance and losses to Slovenia and the United States and a draw with England meant another early departure.
Kadir has been loaned to Rennes by fellow League 1 outfit Marseille and is among numerous France based Algerians vying for first team starting places. He made his debut during March in a 2-0 win in a friendly at home to Slovenia, who beat Algeria at the 2010 World Cup.
Algeria made a spectacular start to World Cup participation in 1982, shocking then European champions and eventual finalists West Germany 2-1 and also defeating Chile after losing to Austria. However, they were deprived of a second round place in Spain on goal difference after the Germans beat the Austrians in controversial circumstances.
Algeria also reached the following World Cup in 1986, but after drawing with Northern Ireland in Mexico, they lost to Brazil and Spain.
A 24 year gap ensured before the next appearance and losses to Slovenia and the United States and a draw with England meant another early departure.
By: Farai Diza, Johannesburg, South Africa
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