The Fennec Foxes, as Algeria are known, will compete in the World Cup for the fourth times, having qualified for the first time in 1982 in Spain. But on all occasions, they were knocked out in the group stages. They will be hoping to advance to the knockout stages for the first time.
Following their disappointing performance in South African in 2010, things became worse and worse for the team as they struggled to recover. This resulted in head coach, Rabah Saâdane, being replaced Abdelhak Benchikha. However, not much changed and Benchikha was also replaced with current coach, Vahid Halilhodžić. But even though Halilhodžić seemed to get things right, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations showed there was still a long way to go. When they took part in the competition that was hosted by South Africa, they bombed out in the group stages after two losses and one draw.
Their campaign in the Fifa World Cup qualifiers was, however, much inspiring. The Fennec Foxes collected some good results against Rwanda, Burkina Faso, and Mali. They have been drawn against Belguim, Russia and South Korea in Group H of the World Cup. They will, however, need to do a lot better if they harbour any chances of making it through to the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Key players: Madjid Bougherra, Sofiane Feghouli, Islam Slimani
Know your coach: Vahid Halilhodzic
Vahid Halilhodzic was born in Yugoslavia in 1952. In his day, in the 70’s and 80’s, he played for Bosnia. He also earned international caps for Yugoslavia. He began his coaching career in the early 90’s and won his first major achievement, CAF Champions League, with Raja Casablanca in 1997. He also had great spells in France with Lille OSC, Paris Saint-Germain. In 2010, he led Ivory Coast to the Fifa World Cup in South Africa.
Belgium is known for its massive beer and chocolate production
Country Profile
Belgium is a federal state located in Europe. Officially called the Kingdom of Belgium, the West European country is the headquarters of the European Union.
The country is known for its massive beer and chocolate production. It produces over a thousand different beers. Tourists are also attracted by the castles found in most part of Belgium.
The country has one of the freest democracies in the world as the first recipient of the charter of rights in 1066. Gay marriage was legalised in 2003. The country has a large number of immigrants.
The capital Brussels is the home to the largest court of justice in the world, the Palace of Justice. Belgium comprises of ethnic groups including the Fleming, Walloon, Italian, Moroccan, French, Dutch, Turkish and German. Flemish is the dominant language and is spoken by over 60% of the population.
Belgium has one of the best education systems in the world. Education is compulsory to the citizens until the age of 18 years. The country has fertile soil which makes it a good place for agriculture.
Crops produced in the country include wheat, oats, barley, tobacco and sugar beets. The country’s economy is driven by services, transportation, trade and industry. Belgium also produces coal, metal products and chemicals.
Full name: Kingdom of Belgium
Population: 10.8 million (UN, 2012)
Capital: Brussels
Area: 30,528 sq km (11,787 sq miles)
Major languages: Dutch, French, German
Major religion: Christianity
Life expectancy: 77 years (men), 83 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 euro = 100 cents
Main exports: Machinery and electrical equipment, chemicals, vehicles, metals, diamonds
GNI per capita: US $45,930 (World Bank, 2011)
Internet domain: .be
International dialling code: +32
– By Sipho Kekana and Lerato Matlala
