The Fennecs Files (Part 4): Algeria Eliminated In An Instant Classic

It’s hard to know where to begin regarding yesterday’s game given that it was one of the most bizarre matches I’ve ever attended from a rooting perspective. My ties to both sides run deep and the result was that I couldn’t really bring myself to cheer for either side. Besides a few claps here and there, I just sat there transfixed, observing the proceedings intently, but almost passively at the same time. To put it simply, I was just stressed out. It was a gripping match but a torturous one as well for everyone involved, even those who don’t have links to both countries involved.

Algeria started rather brightly, with Rafik Djebbour coming close to justifying Rabah Saadane’s questionable decision to start him over Ryad Boudebouz with a powerful volley that clanged off the crossbar. As the game wore on though, the AEK Athens striker’s level dipped and, unsurprisingly, the Fennecs fans frustrations regarding his performance became more and more audible. Another player who bore the brunt of Algerian anguish was Hassan Yebda, who had an off day.

Meanwhile, one “Greens” players who did not disappoint was the man in goal, Rais M'bolhi. The Slavia Sofia glovesman, whose confidence was clearly boosted after his outing against England, was a veritable rock between the sticks and almost single handedly kept his country in the match until the dying minutes of the encounter. Sure the USA players’ wastefulness had something to do with it as well, but you can bet that M'bolhi’s transfer value has just been upped significantly. I wonder if Manchester United now wish they had signed him on the cheap when they had a chance…

If you take into account the entirety of the Group C matches, it’s impossible to argue that the USA didn’t deserve to advance. The amount of resilience they showed was remarkable. I’m just sad they had to do it at the expense of the Fennecs. In my perfect world, Algeria and the USA go through but as Rabah Saadane noted in the post elimination interview, his side wasted a golden opportunity against Slovenia in Polokwane on their opening day and paid the price for it last night.

Regardless, the sole Arab representative at the World Cup can take solace from the fact that despite the massive injury obstacles that beset them in the build-up to the tournament, they were able to perform honorably on the global stage and had something to play for until the very end of their campaign. Now the key will be to ensure that it isn’t another 24 years until we see Les Verts qualify again.

Too much work has been done in rebuilding the sporting infrastructure of the country for it just to be wasted and the it’s football federation has come a long way as well (so much so that FAF chairman Mohamed Raouaraoua looks like the only man who could one day unseat CAF President Issa Hayatou). Political stability will be key in Algeria’s continued progress and improvement. A nation with this much talent and potential should never traverse the desert like they did for so long until recently.

Whether Saadane stays on or not (all indications are that he’ll be calling it quits soon), the Algerian squad definitely needs to address their striker shortage. During qualifiers goals came from almost every single position, but at this level more quality is needed up front to get results.

From a fan perspective, tensions did run high between rival sets of supporters. Part of it had to do with how flat the bottom level of Loftus Versfeld Stadium is, meaning that one’s view could be obstructed very easily if anyone stood up, and part of it had to do with how high the stakes were in this one. Thankfully, things did not escalate past some insults and taunting, but after the game all was forgiven and I didn't witness any ugly scenes that can sometimes accompany elimination games of this nature.

On a personal level, following this side around South Africa has been an experience I’ll treasure forever. Nothing can replace moments like seeing a huge crowd of diverse nationalities at Hatfield Square singing “1,2,3, Viva l’Algerie!”, hearing Fennecs fans enthusiastically joining in the “USA! USA! USA!” chants immediately after, and then all of us dancing together into the night.

This may be my first World Cup, but it surely won’t be my last. I’ll be back in four years time (inshallah, as we say) and will be hoping that this team that I’ve grown to love so much will be there alongside my native Tunisia and the USA as well. See you there!

The previous installments of the Fennecs Files can be found here (part 1), here (part 2), and here (part 3).

Follow Rami's tweets from the World Cup at http://twitter.com/Ramigoal

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