Group C Gambling Predictions<\/p>\n
Matchup<\/strong>: Slovenia v Algeria World Cup Fixture Odds<\/strong>: Algeria +225 \/ Slovenia +105 \/ Draw +220<\/p>\n Slovenia and Algeria are rank outsiders in both the tournament and in the group, which also features England and the USA. So a win in this early matchup will be extremely important for both side\u2019s chances of advancing to the round of 16.<\/p>\n In spite of Algeria\u2019s promising qualifying campaign, the current score line slightly favors Slovenia.<\/p>\n It will be interesting to see, in this game, whether there is anything in these two teams that could upset England and America before they go on to play them later in the group stage.<\/p>\n Winners of the African Cup of Nations in 1986, the team has reemerged to fight for the 2010 World Cup. Known for big wins at home, and despite a sputtering away offense, they beat Egypt in a neutral ground playoff to advance. That shows they have the ability to fight teams like Slovenia until the end. But heart may not be enough, and they lack major star talent. Midfielders are their strength; Karim Ziani, Mourad Meghni and skipper Yazid Mansouri look to control the game with constant pressure. Bougherra, Belhadj, Yahia and goalkeeper Lounes Gaouaoui are all solid at the back, which should keep the game close.<\/p>\n Coach Rabah Saadane surely views coming this far as a major victory, but the pressure of winning it all will still be on everyone\u2019s minds.<\/p>\n While ranked 33rd in the world, there are few that give Slovenia much respect. England had very little trouble beating them recently, and it\u2019s doubtful the Algeria views them any better.<\/p>\n But this is a team that fights hard and should be given some credit. They beat Russia in the playoffs and have a record of knocking out better teams, as in Germany 2006 and Poland and the Czech Republic in the UEFA EURO 2008. Regardless of how they finish, the country will be proud to makes its second appearance.<\/p>\n Peaking at the right moment, International star Milivoje Novakovic was hot in qualifying and will now have a chance to show he can compete with the best on the world stage.<\/p>\n Other players to look out for are keeper Samir Handanovic, captain Robert Koren, and fearsome striker Valter Birsa.<\/p>\n This is a difficult match to call with teams who are both largely unknown within the 2010 World Cup field. Hardly the most exciting game on the face of it, but these minnow vs. minnow games can be very good indeed.<\/p>\n
\nDate<\/strong>: Sunday, June 13, 2010
\nTime<\/strong>: 7:00 AM EST
\nVenue<\/strong>: Polokwane
\nTV<\/strong>: ESPN (In USA)<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n