The Captain: Yazid Mansouri

He’s the most capped player in the team and with rumours about player riffs in the squad; Mansouri’s biggest challenge may come in the dressing room. If he can ensure the players are happy it’ll go a long way to a good Cup.

The X-Factor: Rafik Saifi

Possessing the talent that should have seen him become a worldwide star, Saifi, at the tender age of 35, will be looking for one last hurrah on the world stage in South Africa.

The Flaw: The Keeper

Hero to villain is perhaps explained perfectly when talking about Algerian keeper, Faouzi Chaouchi. The number one starred against Egypt to ensure Algeria’s qualification. But his dismal performances including a ridiculous sending off against Egypt in the African Nations Cup has seen him struggle.

The Verdict: Group Stage

They are arguably the weakest team in this group and with little momentum coming into the tournament; they will need a minor miracle to do anything significant.

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SLOVENIA

Formation: 4-4-2

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The Coach: Matjaz Kerk

It is an accomplishment within itself for Kerk that he got a nation, only in existence for 20 years, to a World Cup. His delivering was so amazing and remarkable that the Prime Minister of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, promised to clean the players’ boots if they qualified!

The Captain: Robert Koren

Koren’s biggest concern at the Cup might be himself. The midfielder was released at the end of the 2010 season by West Brom and is without a club going into the event. The skipper might see this as an opportunity to launch himself back onto the world stage.

The X-Factor: Zlatko Dedic

Playing a lot like one Craig Bellamy, Dedic is a quick, hard working and efficient player and will be vital for the Slovenians. His ability to just pester opposition defences up front will ensure that Slovenia isn’t just coming to fill the numbers.

The Flaw: Creativity

It’s the one obvious thing that’s missing from an otherwise well-structured team. They lack the midfield to really light up the tournament and are missing some flair that could see them do very well in the Cup.

The Verdict: Group Stage

The Slovenians posses a well oiled machine that passes well and has an effective work ethic. They’ll hope most games turn into a scrappy affair so they can dominate, however, if they can’t win the midfield battle they could suffer.