Tweet me!| The big surprise these past days was the visit of the soccer phenomenon and legend Zinedine Zidane, nicknamed Zizou. He visited the training camp where the Algerian soccer team is preparing its coming games. |
Algeria, which the U.S. will face in its third and final group game at the World Cup, began training Sunday for the 2010 African Nations Cup. It will happen in Couple days only in Angola and the Fennecs have been preparing in southern France. The big surprise these past days was the visit of the soccer phenomenon and legend Zinedine Zidane, nicknamed Zizou. He visited the training camp where the Algerian soccer team is preparing its coming games.
Zidane expressed his pride and happiness about the young players motivation and heart. "I wanted to thank them for putting a smile back on Algerian faces, and my father's in particular. I also encouraged them to put in a good performance in the African Cup," Zidane told journalists after his Saturday (December 26th) appearance at the training centre in Castellet.
Midfielder Karim Ziani and striker Karim Matmour said that Zidane's support "is definitely a boost for us". The players told Le Parisien on Monday that the star also "promised to come and see us again in Algiers on March 3rd, when we'll play a friendly against Serbia".
"Because of Zidane's importance and his humility, the gesture he made in coming to personally congratulate the players on making it to the World Cup finals will spur them to play well in the African Cup," coach Rabah Saadane told local press after the visit.
"He told the players – especially those who, like him, were born in France – that he was … delighted to see players who share his origins achieving this kind of success and qualifying for the World Cup," added the coach, whose players presented Zidane with a team jersey.
Zidane's visit fuelled speculation that he would be brought on board to support the national side. Saadane said the decision was in the hands of Algerian Football Federation president Mohamed Raouraoua, but suggested Zidane could "open a lot of doors" in terms of reaching out to youth and setting up training centres.
The surprise visit came at a welcome time for the Algerian national team, as news emerged that three of its star players have been sidelined with injuries. Striker Rafik Saifi, defender Antar Yahia and midfielder Mourad Meghni have been unable to participate in the December 26th-30th training session.
Saadane told journalists that the team will have a "clearer picture" of the nature of the injuries in the next few days.
Saadane has placed Yahia on the roster despite his injury, which was sustained while playing for German Bundesliga team Bochum, and is hoping for a swift recovery. A neutral FIFA-appointed doctor will make the final decision in the next few days on Yahia's playing ability, Ennahar reported on Monday.
After a break for New Year's, the team, including players exempted from the first half of training for British club competitions, will reconvene at Le Chatellet. The second training session, which will include physical and technical training, will begin on January 2nd and last eight days, until the team leaves for Angola.
Despite Zidane's soaring optimism about the Algerian side's chances in the upcoming championship, Saadane cautioned that Fennecs fans "should not expect miracles".
Saadane is expected to name his 23-player team for the African Cup of Nations in Angola on Wednesday. He has been downplaying expectations about Algeria's chances in Angola.
"This tournament comes at a really bad time for us," he said. "We're tired from World Cup qualifying, so everyone shouldn't expect miracles."
Four players -- Hassan Yebda and Nadir Belhadj of Portsmouth, Hamuer Bouazza of Blackpool and Algerian Player of the Year Madjid Bougherra of Glasgow Rangers -- were given permission to remain with their teams through the busy holiday schedule in Britain.
Abdelmalek Ziaya of ES Setif is the only player in camp who did not take part in World Cup qualifying.
Antar Yahia, whose goal won the playoff game against Egypt, has a leg injury and his status is up in the air. The team doctor at German club Bochum, where he plays, said he would not play, but Yahia said he'd go even if it meant he'd have to play on one leg.
The Fennecs face Malawi, Mali and Angola in group play. They open Jan. 11 against Malawi.
Algerianamericans.com - December. 30, 2009
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I love you Algeria forever My name is Sofiane I am from Algeria in Algiers , Happy New year for all Algerians in USA and Algeria and Algerians from all over the world , I love my Algeria my first and my last love I am alive just for my Algeria I love you with all my heart forever until my die Fuck all Egyptians who think we are terroristes ensbenazouz at hot . com |
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ZIZOU IS THE BEST IAM AN ALGERIAN LIVING IN USA, IAM SO PROUD BECAUSE ZIDANE REPRESENTS MY POEOPLE IN THE WORLD, EVERBODY REMEMBERS ALGERIA WHEN THE NAME OF ZIDANE IS PRONOUNCED, HE IS ONE OF THOSE PLAYERS WHO MADE THE SOCCER LOVEABLE BY WORLD'S PEOPLE, THIS GAME WHICH CONTRIBUTES TO MAKE US COME TOGETHER NOT THE OPPOSIT AS EGYPTIANS THINK............GOD BLESS ALGERIA AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010 TO ALGERIANS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. |
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