Algeria

The desert foxes return to the World Cup after an absence of 24 years and hope to defy the odds and qualify from the group stages for the first time ever.

Since the last time they competed on the world stage in 1986 in Mexico, Algeria have fallen upon hard times with only 1 African Nations Cup trophy to show since then.

Now, on their home continent and with a string of higher profile players they are showing they have the right attributes to be a footballing force for the first time.

A shock loss to Malawi in the African Nations Cup may have rocked the boat but Coach Saadane will hope to keep his squad settled in time for the World Cup in South Africa.

Star Man – Majid Bougherra

Rangers defender Bougherra is the proud owner of 34 caps for Algeria and the tough defender will need to be on form in the group stages in South Africa.

Bougherra's form could well be key for a side who are prone to poor defending which can seriously let down a promising squad full of skill and pace.

Having played most of his career in England before a move to Scotland he will know his English opponents very well and will be instrumental should the Algerians do the unthinkable and shock the English on the 18th June in Cape Town.

Coach - Rabah Saadane

Like a boomerang, Coach Rabah Saadane just keeps coming back. Currently in his 5th spell in charge of the national side he has managed to make it to the World Cup 3 times. First in 1982, the 1986 and now 24 years on in 2010.

In the 1982 World Cup Saadane lead Algeria to their most famous result of all time, drawn in a group with West Germany not much hope was given to the desert foxes however they overcame the odds and shocked the European giants, winning 2-1.

Saadane has lead them back to the World Cup on their home continent and will be looking to spring a few more surprises especially as they meet England in the group stages.

One to Watch – Rafik Halliche

Halliche is hoping that his form for Nacional Madeira this season, where he is plying his trade on loan from Benfica, will clinch him a place at the heart of the desert foxes defence.

As one of those players injured after an attack on the Algerian team bus in Egypt, Halliche has shown he is willing to go to any length to seal his place in South Africa and his toughness may well earn him a starting slot for Saadane.

Halliche had a mixed time at the African Cup of Nations where against Mali he scored Algeria's winner but he was also sent off in the Semi-Final against Egypt where his side lost 4-0.

Odds to win - 500/1

GROUP STAGE FIXTURES