Algeria and Slovenia kick off their World Cup campaign with a Group C clash in Polokwane on Sunday knowing anything less than victory could virtually scupper their qualification chances before the tournament has got into its stride.
With England strong favourites to progress as group winners and United States tipped to occupy the second qualifying spot, both Algeria and Slovenia who are also known as Dragons know defeat could deal an almost fatal blow to their World Cup hopes.
However, having made it to South Africa at the expense of reigning African champions Egypt, winning 1-0 thanks to an Anther Yahia goal, Algeria will be confident of making a winning start at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
A 0-3 defeat to Ireland hardly proved the ideal build-up for Algeria but the Desert Foxes beat UAE 1-0 in their final warm-up match. — DPA