Fourth time is the charm?
FIFA's world number-25 ranked nation, Algeria, gear up for their fourth World Cup tournament as they head on over to Brazil. The North African side have quallified for a second consecutive World Cup competition, featuring back in South Africa's 2010 games, with the previous one coming in 1982 in Spain, and 1986 in Mexico.
Fennec Foxes aim at reaching the round of 16, a feat they have not been able to reach over the course of all their previous goes, as they will have to fend off competition from Belgium, Korea Republic, and Russia to get past the group stages.
A recap of Algeria's road to Brazil
Although Algeria enjoyed an easy second round World Cup qualification, topping their group of Mali, Benin, and Rwanda with 15 points out of 6 games, they were made to sweat as the North African country had to overcome stiff competiton from Burkina Faso in the play-offs match. After losing the first leg tie at Burkino Faso 3-2, Algeria narrowly got away with a 1-0 win in the second leg at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker, ending 3-3 on aggregate as Algeria booked their ticket to Brazil thanks to away goals.
Sofiane Feghouli means business
Algeria do not boast a fearsome squad as some of their World Cup counterparts but they do have a player to dread in the form of La Liga attacker Sofiane Feghouli. The 24-year old French-born ace has been impressive in the Liga BBVA, starring for Valencia CF, having graced both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League stage, reaching the semi-finals round this season in the later competition, as the Algerian has gone to establish himself as a force to be reckoned with at Los Che.
A closer look at Vahid Halilhodzic
Vahid Halilhodzic is the man tasked with leading Algeria to their first ever World Cup round of 16 qualification. With a successful career as a football player, the Bosnian manager entered the coaching scene in the early '90s and has gone on to coach a handful of African clubs, winning the CAF Champions League with Raja Casablanca. After great spells at Lille and Paris Saint-Germain, the Algerian national team's coach took over the helms of fellow African side Ivory Coast, guiding them to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. On June 2011, he was given the position of Algerian coach.
The Algerian national team: this is the side that Halilhodzic aims at guiding past the group stages
Fennec Foxes' World Cup squad
Halilhodzic is yet to reveal his final 23-man squad for the tournament in Brazil, with only his 30-man provisional squad, made up of players across the English Premier League, Ligue 1, La Liga, and Serie A, being announced.
Where to watch Algeria's games in Brazil?
Find out live stream, broadcasting and channel information on Algeria's World Cup campaign by visiting the North African side's match page.
