There
are many reasons for thinking that the Slovenians will prove too
strong for their opponents at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
For a start, they finished comfortably ahead of Poland and Czech
Republic in qualifying, while Matjaz Kek's team also beat Slovakia
home and away to finish second in the group. It's worth noting that
just four goals were conceded in ten games and the central defence
partnership of Cesar and Suler will be out in force once again.
Slovenia
also beat Russia twice in the play-offs to reach South Africa, while
their opponents were slightly lucky to edge out Egypt to claim their
place in the finals. Algeria have looked pretty shaky in some of
their friendly matches, most especially when losing 3-0 to Republic
of Ireland. Manager Rabah Saadane is looking for improvement,
although the Desert Foxes just don't have the attacking players to
make an impact and could be second best in this match.
PREDICTION:
SLOVENIA TO WIN @ 2.20
WITH BWIN
Power Rating
Squad (2/5)
Largely dependent on players with Algerian backgrounds who did not quite make the grade in French football it lacks real quality.
Squad (2.5/5)
Young, committed and enthusiastic, this is a side that has already achieved plenty just by making it to South Africa. However, it is debatable how much more they can do once the tournament begins.
Coach (5/5)
Rabah Saadane's place in Algerian football is absolutely secure and barring an absolute humiliation in South Africa, nothing will undermine that.
Coach (3/5)
Kek's methodical, thoughtful approach to the game has brought the best out of his players and will be needed as the pressure mounts during the tournament.
Attack (2/5)
It is young but lightweight and perhaps significantly Algeria struggled away from home throughout their qualification campaign.
Attack (2.5/5)
The forwards delivered when it mattered, scoring 16 times in Slovenia's final six qualification games. The 3-0 win over Poland in Maribor and the 2-0 away win in Slovakia were the highlights.
Defence (3/5)
Strong and ruggedly effective. This is a side that knows how to defend and in Khartoum they played as if their lives depended on keeping a clean sheet.
Defence (3/5)
Statistically, there was none better in qualifying. Nine of their final 11 matches saw clean sheets. Only Warren Feeney of Northern Ireland and Dinyar Bilyaletdinov of Russia found a way through.