Algeria 0-3 Serbia: Reality Check

The Algerian National Team put on a disappointing display in front of a packed 5 Juillet Stadium as they fell 3-0 to visiting Serbia in an international friendly, just 3 months before the upcoming World Cup. Despite being the better team in the first half, Algeria gave up the opener after just 13 minutes when Ajax-striker Marko Pantelić took advantage of a Lounes Gaouaoui error to tap in from 6 yards out. The score at the half remained that way with both teams creating a number of chances. In the second half, the Serbian coach Radomir Antić made a number of changes to the team, and it paid off with a goal after only 9 minutes. Zdravko Kuzmanović made no mistake from inside the box when a looping free kick was not properly cleared by the Algerian defense. FC Koln midfielder Zoran Tošić, on loan from Manchester United, completed the rout in the 64th minute as he easily slotted the ball past the keeper from close in. There were few chances in the remaining 25 minutes but neither side could change the score before the full-time whistle.

Saadane's Choices

As the starting line-up was announced, Rabah Saadane's choices raised a few eyebrows as the 63-year old decided to go with Slimane Raho in right back, Abdelkader Ghezzal all alone upfront and to employ three holding midfielders with Yazid Mansouri, Hassan Yebda and Mehdi Lacen. However, despite conceding the opener after just 13 minutes, the team played relatively well in the first half creating a number of occassions thanks to the lively Karim Matmour and the likes of Nadir Belhadj and Abdelkader Ghezzal. The first chance came in the 3rd minute when Abdelkader Ghezzal dribbled past two defenders on the right-wing before unleashing a shot from about 6 yards out. However, the difficult angle and the defensive pressure forced his shot into the side of the net. The most notable chance from the Algerian side was a counter attack led by Nadir Belhadj who lobbed a Serbian defender and sprinted up the field before picking out Karim Matmour on the opposite side with a pefect pass. However, Matmour's shot was well taken care of by the Serbian keeper Stojković.

Different Story

For the second half, the Serbian coach made a few changes to the team while Rabah Saadane kept faith with the starters. It seemed like a good chioce as the Algerians had the first chance with Karim Ziani's counter attack finding Hassan Yebda on the right-wing with his ensuing shot being put out for a corner. However, just 5 minutes later it was the Serbians who added their second goal when Kuzmanović took advantage of a missed clearance on a free-kick. The Algerian team kept pressing and Ghezzal almost pulled one back but his shot was put out for a corner by the keeper. A few minutes later, it was Karim Matmour's turn, as he rose up high on a Karim Ziani free-kick but his header was again put out by Stojković. Shortly after, Serbia should have made it three were it not for poor finishing. Saadane brought in Rafik Djebbour, his first game for Algeria since the win against Rwanda in October, to replace Ghezzal. However, it proved too little too late as Zoran Tošić added the third goal which effectively ended the match. Both teams had a few chances in the remaining minutes, notably a Djebbour shot from inside the box, but the final score did not change.

Changes Ahead of World Cup

With the World Cup just 3 months away, Saadane will have his work cut out for him to get the team ready for their Group C counterparts Slovenia, England and USA. While the absence of infleuntial defender Madjid Bougherra was felt, the team still lacked the collective force to compete at the highest level. Despite some terrific play at times, the team lacked the consistency over 90 minutes against a World Cup bound opponent. In the coming months, Saadane will need to urgently solve a number of issues: finding a dependable right-back, instilling a hard-battling midfield and solve the goal-scoring drought up front.

Player Ratings

Gaouaoui - 4/10 - At fault for the first goal, Gaouaoui put on a relatively good display for the rest of the match. Not much he could do on the other two goals.

Raho - 3.5/10 - After a solid start, he started to fade away after the 25th minute and was not helped by the midfielders in front of him.
Yahia - 4.5/10 - Solid display given the circumstances.
Halliche - 4/10 - Almost conceded a penalty (again) and was at the origin of the second Serbia goal after losing the ball in their half.
Belhadj - 6/10 - One of the few bright spots on the team, Belhadj defended well and provided a lot of support with his dashing runs.

Mansouri - 3/10 - "Mansouri-esque" performance from Captain Yazid ...
Lacen - 4/10 - For his debut with the Algerian team, Lacen showed glimpses of his ability but did not really adapt to the pace of the game. He will need time to gel with his teammates.
Yebda - 4.5/10 - Workman-like performance from the towering midfielder. However, he did not provide support upfront and was not having his best of days in terms of passing.
Ziani -4/10 - Had a few good runs on the left wing but looked completely out of form as the game progressed. His lack of playing time with Wolfsburg really showed.
Matmour - 6.5/10 - A man of the match performance from Matmour who was the most dangerous threat to the Serbian back line. Despite having little support, Matmour created a number of good chances.

Ghezzal - 5.5/10 - Put in the lone striker role again, Ghezzal took advantage of the few chances he received. Constantly pressed the Serbian defense and worked for the aerial balls.

Subs:

Djebbour (replaced Ghezzal) - 4.5/10 - Replacing Ghezzal in the lone striker role, he only had a couple of chances, one of them almost finding the bakc of the net.

Laifaoui (replaced Halliche) - 5/10 - Not much work to do.

Abdoun (replaced Ziani) - Despite the minimal playing time, Abdoun managed to make the highlight reel with a "flip flop" against the Serbian left-back. He also combined well with Mansouri and Djebbour in a play which almost provided a goal.

Zaoui (replaced Lacen) - In his only play of the game, Zaoui did well to tackle the ball away from a Serbian forward.

Coaching:

Saadane - 3/10 - Got his tactics and starting line-up wrong and his decisions only got worse as the game progressed. He played a huge role in qualifying the team to the World Cup but will have to do an even better job to succeed there. Coach Rabah .. it maybe time to put Mansouri on the bench.