A resilient and brave Algeria side managed to hold England to a goalless draw in Friday's World Cup clash to keep alive their slim hopes of reaching the second round. England could not find a way through Algeria's steadfast defense throughout the game, appearing a shadow of the side who excelled in the qualifiers under highly-respected coach Fabio Capello. Italian tactician Capello saw England, who were one of the pre-tournament favorites, claim their second point after settling for a 1-1 draw with the United States in their first game. Algeria, the Arab's sole representatives, notably improved after suffering a 1-0 loss to Slovenia last Sunday but still have an uphill to climb if they are to cause an upset and book a last-16 spot. Surprise package Slovenia top Group C with four points, two ahead of the United States, whom they drew 2-2 with earlier in the day, and England. Algeria, who are playing in the World Cup for the first time since 1986, lie at the bottom with one point. The Desert Foxes should beat the United States in their last game to stand any chance of progressing to the knockout phase. Fruitful Strategy
Capello's substitutions did not make much difference Algeria's cautious strategy proved fruitful, with their compact and packed midfield making it difficult for England to mount any threats. The likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney looked out of sorts and could only afford to send some tame shots which did not trouble Algeria's stand-in keeper Rais M'Bolhi. M'Bolhi, who replaced Faouzi Chaouchi after he committed the dreadful blunder that gave Slovenia a victory over Algeria, enjoyed a comfortable night at the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town. England's only real chance in the first half fell to Lampard, who was found by a right-wing cross from Aaron Lennon but his shot on the turn was too weak to trouble M'Bolhi. At the other hand, Algeria were short of ideas upfront, with natural attacking midfielder Karim Matmour playing as a lone striker due to the absence of Abdelkader Ghezzal, who was sent off against Slovenia. Karim Ziani, who played behind Matmour, had a decent chance in the 35th minute when he cut inside Glen Johnson but his shot went wide of the post. Capello tried to inject zeal in the second half by introducing Shaun-Wright Philips instead of Lennon and Jermain Defoe instead of Emile Heskey. Towering striker Peter Crouch also came on late in the game but none of the trio managed to unlock a dogged backline.
