World Cup 2014 Preview – Algeria

The World Cup starts in 114 days, and as we quickly approach the greatest sporting event in the world, we here at TIDE 99.1 are giving you a little preview of each team and how far they can go... starting with Algeria.

Algeria have never made it out of the group stage of the World Cup before (in fact, they've only made three other World Cups), but they have a good chance to get to the knockout stage this time. Algeria is led by head coach Vahid Halilhodžić, one of the greatest Bosnian soccer players of the all time. His managing history includes taking the helms of a then second level ("minor league") French squad Lille OSC and leading them to a third place finish in Ligue 1, the premier league of French soccer; taking the Ivory Coast to the 2010 World Cup; and winning the Coupe de France as manager of Paris Saint-Germain in 2004.

On the pitch, Algeria is led by central defender Madjid Bougherra. Playing in his third World Cup, he is a big force on the back-line (standing at 6' 3") that has the skill and speed to move up into the midfield to help on the attack. Along with Bougherra, Medhi Lacen is also a lockdown defender for Halilhodžić's squad.

In the midfield, Sofiane Feghouli is the player to watch. This 24 year old winger has the ability to beat any outside defensive back, and he has the skill set to move to the inside and play a more attacking midfielder role. He is one of the key members for the pretigious La Liga club Valencia CF, and is a player well worth watching come World Cup.

Group H is definitely not the most difficult of the groups, but you can expect the competition to be fierce here. They take on Belgium on June 17, South Korea on June 22, and Russia on June 26.

Nothing will come easy in this group, and I expect Algeria to finish 3rd behind Russia and Belgium, keeping them just out of the knockout stage yet again.