QUALIFIED

Algeria managed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2014 after managing to overcome Burkina Faso in the play-off round. Algeria were coming into the second leg play-off trailing the tie 3-2 on aggregate.

However, Algeria manager Vahid Halilhodžić of confident of progress to the next round since his team had scored two crucial away goals towards the end of the first leg. This ultimately proved to be the difference in the second leg since they were able to come away with a 1-0 victory. Burkina Faso were short of experience at this stage in the tournament and it clearly showed throughout the match.

There are trying to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in their history. Algeria dominated the match throughout by controlling the ball and also creating the chances. Burkina Faso, on the other hand, were extremely poor in the match, as they failed to create much opportunities throughout the 90 minutes. After starting the match in a bright fashion, it took Algeria until the second half to break the deadlock. The goal from Bougherra in the 49th minute started jubilant celebrations amongst the home supporters, but there was always the danger of Burkina Faso coming through with an equaliser.

Algeria could have easily added a second goal had it not been for the brilliant performance of the Burkina Faso goalkeeper. They had several chances in the second half to put the game beyond the reach of the away team. At the end of the day, though, qualification mattered and Algeria have achieved this through a narrow 1-0 win. This helps them go through to the finals on away goals rule after a 3-3 score on aggregate. It never came and Algeria can rejoice at being in the World Cup 2014. Halilhodžić will be looking to improve the team even after qualification.