Algeria 0–1 Slovenia
SVN – Robert Koren (79')
My Take
Another 'keeper blunder gifts the win to Slovenia in a mostly drab contest. The two teams defend resolutely if not stylishly, although Algeria is another team deploying the three center-back back line and they do so with confidence. I think both the US and England will believe they can take three points against each of these teams — although with Samir Handanovic looking commanding in Slovenia's goal, finding goals against the European minnows might be the tougher challenge.
The telling moment of the match was probably the 73rd-minute dismissal of Abdelkader Ghezzal. Algeria were forced to reshuffle and the resulting gaps allowed Robert Koren to find space for his shot. Faouzi Chaouchi, the Algerian goalkeeper, should have done better. Neither team really deserved the win, and little Slovenia will consider itself lucky to be atop Group C.
While I vowed patience before weighing in on the Jubulani ball, a second fluke goal is all the impetus ESPN's talking heads have needed to dedicate segments to the unpredictable orb. And so I might have to weigh in soon, too. Look for that post sometime this evening.
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