World Cup-2010: Algerian obstinacy, British arrogance

Reactions are made just after the draw of the World Cup 2010. In Group C, Algeria will have to face England, the United States and Slovenia. The Algerians continue to show their obstinacy and their big ambitions in this great festival of football, while the British display certain arrogance.

• Yazid Mansouri (captain of Algeria)
      
  Yazid Mansouri (captain of Algeria): "Very well, the draw is within our reach. England appears above. But then we had our chance, our say with the United States and Slovenia. We're going a bit into the unknown. The first match against Slovenia will condition our World Cup. The United States and Slovenia seem within reach. The U.S., we saw them play in the Confederations Cup while we were preparing for the match against Zambia. They had not made a great impression in the game but they were really over the competition. The advantage for them is that they are accustomed to participate in the final phases of major competitions. We'll prepare well and the CAN certainly will be a good rehearsal. Against England, we will be well prepared in terms of commitment and physical impact, but the English all play in the Premier League we have the advantage of knowing them all. It's a good draw."
      
     
  Karim Ziani (interviewed by APS)
  
  "We inherited a relatively difficult group. We will confront England’s team, a very solid one, and the U.S. team that was beaten in extremis in the final of the Confederations Cup by Brazil. Somehow, we are with Slovenia small player in the group. In my opinion, we have avoided the hardest group as the one that includes Brazil, Côte d'Ivoire, and Portugal ... But at this level, there are no small teams. We will play our chances and everything is possible at this level of competition.
  
  Mohamed Maouche (former coach of Algeria)
      
  Interviewed from Johannesburg by public radio: "This is not an easy group, since we will meet the United States, England and Slovenia. We hope a good preparation for our team. Slovenia is very technical, England very physical, very rough and the United States has made great progress. It will take work and the African Cup of Nations will be a springboard. "
  
     
  Terry Venables (former England coach)
  
  "The match against the United States will be difficult because they are physically developed, organized. If they can dominate us in the game, they can be faster. This could be a tough game.
  
  Algeria, if they made a big performance in qualifying, has not the level of any of the other teams. We expect to be qualified. Let us rejoice! ".
      
  David Beckham (middle England)
  
  "It's a very interesting group. They are as tough matches but at this level there are only tough games. I am excited at the idea of participating in Africa."
      
      
  Carlos Bocanegra (Capt. U.S.):
  
  "Obviously this match between England and the USA will be especially for the fans. Many American players play in England, we all know each other very well. We are happy to be in South Africa to play in Johannesburg. We can never say that a draw is easy. All teams that qualified for the World Cup are great teams. We have confidence in ourselves and we know that it is possible to qualify. Slovenia succeeded to qualify by beating Russia. Algeria beat Egypt, African champions. We can not say that these are bad teams! "
       
      
  DaMarcus Beasley (mid USA):
  
  "Against England, it will be a great match. We know them well, we faced them last year (Victory English 2 to 0). They have great players, but we have also a good team with experienced players. I think we have a chance to beat England. In World Cup, all teams are good. We do not know much about the others but Algeria has called on the thread against Egypt. This should be a good team. "
          
      
  John Terry (England captain)
  
  "I followed the draw with my partner in selection and in Chelsea, Frank (Lampard), Joe (Cole) and Ashley (Cole). We had to land in Manchester for our match against City tomorrow (Saturday) and we watched it on the bus. We know two of our adversaries, the United States and Slovenia. Hopefully this will help us prepare for these matches. England has never faced Algeria, who has passed through play-off to qualify against Egypt. For me, everything is in the first game (against the United States) because it will take a good start. Every entry game in a competition is important and that one will not be an exception."
      
      
     
  Alan Shearer (former England striker):
  
  "We said before that we should not be too concerned about the United States. I think that in South Africa, Mr Capello should be inwardly very happy in his head. I do not see how else we can think otherwise with this group. The United States, Algeria, Slovenia ... If you said this that morning to Fabio, I think would have clapped you hand. Undoubtedly.”
  
  
      
      
  Fabio Capello (England coach, interviewed on Sky Sport Italy)
  
  "I think it's a balanced group. We have already played against the United States and Slovenia, and we suffered. Algeria, which has eliminated Egypt, will be dangerous. The first match, will be against the United States who have had much more time than us to prepare. (Is the group easy?) I remember the groups that are not complicated to run and become very complicated once the competition started. It will not be easy, as is true for all meetings in a World Cup."
• Ennahar/ Samira L.