World Cup: U.S. vs. Algeria: Desert Foxes’ starting lineup

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The photographers have been herded into position on the Loftus Versfeld Stadium field. The vuvuzelas are creating the usual racket. The teams are about to come onto the field, so without further ado, here is Algeria’s starting lineup:

Goalkeeper: Rais M. Bohli.

Defenders: Madjid Bougherra, Nadir Belhadj, Anther Yahia and Rafik Halliche.

Midfielders: Medhi Lacen, Karim Matmour, Karim Ziani, Hassan Yebda and Foued Kadir.

Forward: Rafik Djebbour.

The 4-5-1 formation, on paper, threatens to overwhelm the U.S. midfield, which is probably why U.S. Coach Bob Bradley has elected to go with two defensive midfielders rather than employing one attacking one, such as Jose Torres or Benny Feilhaber.

The volume just rose a few notches, the teams are about to come onto the field, the anthems are next and then we are away.

In 90 minutes, we will know whether four years of experimentation and hard work pay off or we have to begin all over again.

-- Grahame L. Jones in Pretoria, South Africa