Algeria qualified for their third World Cup via a highly-charged play-off with their North African rivals Egypt. The match was played in neutral Sudan, but the un-rest between the two nations has continued beyond the football field. Les Fennecs (The Desert Foxes) previously qualified twice in succession – in Spain in 1982 and Mexico 1986 – going out at the Group stages on both occasions. Their greatest achievement remains lifting the African Cup of Nations in 1990 when hosting the tournament although expectations for success in the first World Cup tournament on African soil are low.

Madjid Boughera

Age: 27
Position: Central Defender
Club: Glasgow Rangers (Scotland – Scottish Premier League)
Caps: 34 (2 goals)

The well-travelled centre-half will be pivotal to what is likely to be a busy Algerian defence. Boughera arrived at Ibrox in 2008 via Charlton, Sheffield Wednesday and Crewe and quickly established himself as a key influence at the back. However, his repeated late returns from international duty have not endeared him to Rangers boss, Walter Smith. Boughera made his Algeria debut in July 2007 and has quickly amassed more than 30 caps.