“Anyone who remembers Algeria’s performance at the last World Cup won’t be excited to see them this time around. Algeria were extremely disappointing in terms of both quality and entertainment, and arguably contributed less to the World Cup than any other side. Four years later, however, they’re a more exciting prospect. Coach Vahid Halilhodzic has the side well organised, but also committed to playing good attacking football, with plenty of movement amongst the front three, and a mobile, young and technically proficient midfield trio too. Algeria are receiving less attention than the other four African sides in this competition, probably because of the lack of star names – but they’re actually the highest-ranked African side in the latest FIFA rankings.” Zonal Marking