Africa News
Algeria confident ahead of U.S. showdown
Jun 20, 2010, 14:57 GMT
San Lameer, South Africa - Algeria came into the World Cup as underdogs in Group B. But the northern Africans are full of confidence that they can beat the United States in their final group match.
'If we can play to our potential then we don't need to be afraid of any opponent. We can then beat anybody,' said Algerian midfielder Karim Matmour of German club Borussia Moenchengladbach on Sunday after training at the Ugu Sports Centre in San Lameer.
Algeria, back at the World Cup for the first time since 1986, held England to a 0-0 draw for their first point of South Africa 2010 - though they have yet to score a goal.
Slovenia lead the group with four points while England and the United States both have two points.
Algerian captain Antar Yahia also believes in his team's chances of beating the United States on Wednesday in Pretoria and reaching the Round of 16.
'Our strength is playing as a unit on the pitch. If we don't do that they we will not beat the U.S.,' said the Bochum defender Yahia.
Algerian midfielder Mehhi Lacen admits that he is impressed with the morale of the U.S. team.
'I watched the Americans' games. In the 2-2 draw against Slovenia, they showed after the 2-0 deficit that they can fight back,' said the Racing Santander midfielder Lacen.
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