Rabah Saadane began the match under a great deal of pressure to secure a convincing win in order to give Algeria some positive momentum going into their World Cup opener against Slovenia. Unlike the squad that lost to Ireland, this one was boosted by the returns of defensive pillars Madjid Bougherra and Antar Yahia as well as the incorporation of Medhi Lacen in midfield. Meanwhile, the under fire Yazid Mansouri kept his place in the starting lineup despite his poor showing against the Boys In Green.
