Algeria and Ghana face tough World Cup challenges as they strive to remain in South Africa following the exit of three African representatives. South Africa and Nigeria bowed out on Tuesday and Ivory Coast need a miracle to get out of the 'group of death'. It is now up to the Fennecs and the Black Stars, who were among Africa's top four teams in the African Cup of Nations this year. Algeria, who have yet to score in South Africa with a total of three shots on target, tackle USA in Pretoria as both teams have no option but to win in order to make the knockouts. "It's going to be a tricky match, in my opinion. The Americans were one of the teams fancied to qualify from this group," said Algeria coach Rabah Saadane. "We simply don't have a choice; a win is imperative. I can see it being a very tough game for both sides." Algeria's poor finishing is a major worry for Saadane, even so the North Africans managed to make the CAN 2010 quarter-finals with a single group-stage goal to their name. But the Fennecs should be aware of the toughness of their opponents who were in a quite similar position last year in the Confederations Cup, before eventually thrashing African champions Egypt 3-0 to go on and reach the final. In the other Group C game, win-less England meet Slovenia hoping to avoid an embarrassing exit from the first round. While the Three Lions have been criticized for being way out of form in their first two games, manager Fabio Capello sounds super confident.
"I am not crazy, when I said my target is the final of the World Cup it was because we showed this is a really good squad," the Italian said. "I think if... no, not if, when we win (against Slovenia) then all the teams have to fight against us." Ghana face mighty Germans While Algeria are in a must-win situation, Ghana only need to avoid defeat in their Group D clash with title-contenders Germany, who are desperate for the three points. A draw would do for the unbeaten Ghanaians, with Serbia taking on Australia in Nelspruit. Another option for Milovan Rajevac's side could see them go through even with a one-goal-margin defeat to Germany, provided that Serbia draw with Australia. "Of course it is good for us. We are happy to be in this position. It also means it is an obligation for us if we have to advance to the next stage, but it does not add any pressure," said manager Rajevac. "But we have a real chance and there is a strong sense of belief in this team. "By being the only African team that has realistic qualification chances, most of the African fans will be behind us. It will give us extra motivation." Germany will be without first-choice striker Miroslav Klose who was sent off against Serbia, whereas Ghana are at full-strength.
