Starting Line up
ALG: Chaouchi, Bougherra, Belhadj, Yahia, Halliche, Lacen, Ziani, Yebda, Kadir, Djebbour, Matmour
SVN: Handanovic, Brecko, Suler, Cesar, Jokic, Koren, Kirm, Radosavljevic, Birsa, Novakovic, Dedic
The least interesting match so far. Not much of information about this nation. After an absence of 24 years, the Desert Foxes are just happy to play in the World Cup. They even pushed high school examination forward so that students and teachers could come and watch the match. Prior to the match, there were some doubt on whether Belhadj could play in their clash against Slovenia as he was sent off in the Africa Cup of Nation. Luckily, the decision was reversed and him and Chaouchi became available for their opener.
Slovenia is considered as football minnow in European football. With population of 2 million,
they've only been to the World Cup final once, which ended in disarray. It took a miracle for them to qualify as they overturn their 2-1 loss in 1st leg against Russia by winning 1-0 at home. Player to look for was former WBA midfield player, Robert Koren, who is central part of Slovenian side.
1st Half
Open match from the start but it lacked quality from both side. Touches were too heavy, passes were wayward and both team lacked flair to score in the game. Apart from free-kick of Belhadj and shot from Birsa at the end of first half, the match was not worth to watch. Very defensive and boring half.
HT: 0-0
MOTM in the 1st half: Nadir Belhadj - he showed a lot enthusiasm down the flank and gave hard time against Brecko.
2nd Half
Yet again, play didn't improve immediately as they kept their defensive stance firm. However, Slovenia showed more willingness of going forward and after sending off of Ghezzal, the match went to Slovenia's way. Eventually, on 79th minute, Koren's speculative shot found the back of the net with Chaouchi's help and this was the winning goal.
Another Robert Green moment? It was far worse than that.
FT 0-1
MOTM in the 2nd half: Robert Koren: Simply for the goal and his slightly better midfield display.
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