Attack the best form of defence for Algeria

It is never easy to bounce back from defeat in the opening group match at a FIFA World Cup especially after having led for over 70 minutes as Algeria did before succumbing 2-1 to Belgium on 17 June at the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte.

What made that defeat even harder to swallow was the harsh press criticism aimed at Les Fennecs for sitting back and trying to hold onto their lead rather than push on and build on it. According to the detractors, Vahid Halilhodzic’s men might not have conceded late goals to Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens had they not handed the initiative to the Belgians. 

Indeed, some Algerian fans were reminded of their side’s disappointing start to their campaign in South Africa, when they went down to a tame 1-0 defeat at the hands of Slovenia.

Much to the relief of those yearning for a more attacking approach, ‘Coach Vahid’ responded by naming an adventurous line-up for his side’s crucial second group encounter with Korea Republic at the Estadio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre on Sunday 22 June. Abdelmoumene Djabou and Yacine Brahimi were handed starts, as was Islam Slimani - who had only been given 24 minutes against Belgium despite a series of excellent performances in World Cup qualifying.

The ploy worked dividends as the Desert Warriors surprised the Taeguk Warriors by pressing them high up the pitch and putting them under pressure from the outset. The Koreans never got to grips with the tactics of an Algerian team that romped to a 4-2 success, the north Africans’ first win at the global showpiece in 32 years.

Named Budweiser Man of the Match for his opening goal and assist to Djabou for his side’s third, Islam Slimani told FIFA. "It was a tough match against a very well-organised side. We took our chances and the four goals we scored were enough for us to take the three points.” 

The Sporting Lisbon striker added: "It doesn't matter who plays. We’re a strong squad, full of guys who play at top clubs. Any changes to the line-up today came about because we had to win this match, come what may."