Both teams will be looking for their first points after losses in the opening games, and Monday night’s clash promises to be a tense affair. It will be a hard-fought battle as both teams fight to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Algeria suffered a 3-0 defeat to Argentina—courtesy of a brilliant Messi hat trick—while Jordan fell 3-1 to Austria in its opening World Cup match. Despite that opening loss, the North African side enters this upcoming contest against Jordan with greater experience and stronger individual talent. Because of this clear advantage in quality, they are heavily favored to bounce back and secure an important victory.
Why Algeria Is a Strong Favorite Against Jordan
Algeria entered the World Cup as one of Africa’s strongest teams after an outstanding qualifying campaign and the strength of its talented squad. Although it suffered a 3-0 defeat to Argentina in its opening match, the scoreline did not fully reflect the contest. If not for an exceptional performance from Lionel Messi, the result could have been much closer and potentially very different.
Do not underestimate its chances too quickly. Algeria has a type of quality that very few teams can match. It boasts standout players like Riyad Mahrez, Amine Gouiri, Mohammed Amoura, and Rayan Aït-Nouri.
Jordan is a very well-organized side that knows exactly how to frustrate whoever it plays, but the sheer attacking talent difference between these two sides is huge. Algeria has looked very sharp of late, edging the Netherlands 1-0 in its warm-up matches coming into the World Cup, holding Uruguay to a scoreless draw in a tough match, and hammering Guatemala 7-0.
Jordan has failed to win in its last nine games, so it’s hard to see how it will be able to cope with the firepower Algeria has up front. It’s hard to look past the North Africans in this matchup, so they are definitely the pick to get the job done and walk away with the win.
Jordan vs. Algeria Predicted Lineups
Jordan is likely rolling out a 3-4-3 against Algeria. Abulaila will start in goal behind a back three of Al Rousan, Al Arab, and Abualnadi. In the midfield, look for Haddad, Al Rashdan, Al Rawabdeh, and Abu Taha to control the center of the pitch, while Fakhoury, Olwan, and Tamari team up to lead the attack up front.
For the match against Jordan, Algeria looks set to run a 4-3-3. Zidane starts in net behind a backline of Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, and Aït-Nouri. The midfield trio of Boudaoui, Zerrouki, and Maza will pull the strings in the center, leaving Mahrez, Amoura, and Chaïbi to lead the attack up front.
Will Algeria’s Quality Overcome Jordan’s Resilient Defense?
Algeria will control the ball, trying to crack Jordan’s deep defense. The team relies on high full-backs and Mahrez’s creativity. But, much like the Argentina game, sloppy final passes could make all that possession useless.
Jordan is perfectly happy parking the bus. The team will stay organized and wait to launch fast counterattacks through Tamari. Its goal is to completely frustrate Algeria and steal a sneaky goal from a quick transition or corner kick.
Algeria should still win because of superior talent, but it won’t be easy. If Jordan keeps the match tied late, a nervous Algerian squad might crack under the pressure.
Algeria and Jordan are both fighting for their tournament lives on June 22 after losing their openers. Algeria is the clear favorite thanks to its superior attacking depth and recent form, even after a tough start against Argentina. The game will likely be a tactical grind: Algeria will press hard to break down Jordan’s defensive 3-4-3, while Jordan sits deep waiting for a quick counterattack. Unless Algeria gets sloppy with its passing, it should take this one, but it definitely won’t be a walk in the park.
