Algeria are determined not to play a peripheral role at next month's World Cup finals in South Africa, vowing to beat the odds and reach the knockout phase. The Desert Foxes have reached the World Cup for the first time since 1986 after overcoming African champions Egypt in a nail-biting qualifying campaign. They were drawn to face England, the United States and Slovenia in Group C. Heavyweights England and the improving United States are favorites to book a last-16 berth but the unwavering Algeria intend to cause an upset. "We are in a difficult group, but we fear nobody," forward Rafik Saifi, who spent the second half of the season on loan at French side Istres from Qatar's Al-Khor, said on Sunday. "England have a very strong squad but that does not mean that we will not be able to match them. We can repeat the 1982 scenario, why not?" Algeria made their first World Cup appearance in 1982 and it was an experience to remember. Although they could not get beyond the first round, they stamped their mark on the tournament with a shocking 2-1 victory over then European champions West Germany. No Choice Algeria can not accept anything less than a place in the knockout stage, according to central defender Madjid Bougherra. "We have no choice but to reach the second round," the Rangers man, who played a key role in helping Algeria qualify for the World Cup, said. "We have a very good squad that can easily allow us to do so. The experience of playing in the qualifiers and the African Cup of Nations will also benefit us." Algeria will open their World Cup campaign against Slovenia on June 13 before meeting England five days later. They will wrap up the group stage campaign against the United States on June 23. "Our opener against Slovenia is very important," attacking midfielder Karim Matmour of Borussia Monchengladbach stated. "We have a good chance of reaching the second round but we should beat Slovenia in the first game if we are to achieve that target."
