Algeria: Still Hoping with a Lucky Dove on their Side

After the defeat against Slovenia, the Algerians have regained some strength on June 18th against the English team that was fairly positive about getting a win. By drawing a tie against a great team, the Algerian team have given hope again to millions of fans who hope to see the green team go through the first round:

An Algerian blogger comments in the post titled Un nul équitable (a fair draw) [fr]:

L’Algérie et l'Angleterre se quittent dos à dos après 90 minutes où les Verts ont produit une prestation honorable, en faisant jeu égal avec les Anglais, en tous les cas, rien à avoir avec celle contre la Slovénie.

Algeria and England have gone head to head that resulted in a tie after 90 minutes in which the green team performed honorably, a far cry from their previous match.

He then adds:

Alors qu'une défaite contre les Anglais lui aurait coûté une élimination du Mondial, l'équipe d'Algérie prolonge son sursis et, pour prétendre à une qualification historique au 8e, ce qui est jouable, doit arracher une victoire contre les USA lors de sa troisième rencontre (…).

While a defeat would have meant an exit from the world cup, Algeria are extending their stay and in order to reach a historical but feasible second round, it must win against the USA in their third match.

Rachida, an Algerian living in France, express her admiration for the Algerian team [fr]:

Tenir tête durant plus de 90 minutes, non pas à la meilleure équipe, mais aux meilleurs joueurs au monde, relève d'un défi et ils l'ont fait. Chapeau bas à l'équipe algérienne!!!

To go head-to-head for 90 minutes against the best players in the world, if not the best team, was a major challenge but they did it. Tip of the hat to the Algerian team!

Commenting on the results of the match, Espérance writes on a chatting forum [fr] :

Ils ont bien joué contre la Slovénie mais là c'était mieux, beaucoup mieux. Il n'y avait pas d'erreurs fatales heureusement et je suis sûre qu'il peuvent faire encore mieux.

They played well against Slovenia but that was much better. No fatal mistakes, thankfully and I am sure they can do even better

While recognizing that she is no expert in football, Espérance offers this advice:

le joueur Abdounne devrait pas remplacer Ziani, certes blessé, lors du prochain match.

The player Abdoune should not replace Ziani, even if he is hurt, in the next match.

screen shot of the broadcast during the game

The image of a dove perched above the Algerian goal post has put a lasting imprint on the game and was the subject of many discussions in Algeria. The scene was commented sarcastically by Djamel on Facebook:

Le pigeon porteur de message de guerre pour l'Algérie était en fait un grigri concocté par le duo Defoe-Heskey. C'était là la tactique de Capello ! Les Anglais nous ont pris pour des pigeons. Mboulhi (gardien algérien) volait plus haut que ce Columba et s'est avéré plus puissant que ce dopage aérien.

The dove carrying a war message for Algeria was in fact a ruse by Defoe and Heskey. So that was Capello's strategy ! The Englishmen thought we were naive doves. Mbouhli, the goalkeeper, flew higher than this bird and was in fact stronger than any airborne help.

The Algerians have not given up hope and strongly believe that their team will beat the American team. The question is, will the dove be there as well ?