Perhaps unsurprisingly, Algeria coach Vahid Halilhodžić has named a rather defensive-looking lineup for their World Cup opener against Belgium. He'll look to counter the threat posed by Eden Hazard on the left-wing by playing a centre-back at right-back, while defensive midfielder Mehdi Mostefa starts over the advanced playmaker Yacine Brahimi. They're also playing without an out-and-out centre-forward -- it looks like winger El Arbi Hillel Soudani will lead the line.
Belgium vs. Algeria, World Cup 2014: Lineups
Algeria have gone defensive for their World Cup opener against Belgium.
Philipp Schmidli
Belgium's starting lineup is a little less surprising, though of note is the inclusion of Daniel van Buyten over Thomas Vermaelen in defence. Mousa Dembélé is in over Marouane Fellaini in the midfield pivot, while Nacer Chadli has been preferred on the wing to Kevin Mirallas.
Belgium starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Thibaut Courtois; Jan Vertonghen, Daniel van Buyten, Vincent Kompany, Toby Alderweireld; Mousa Dembélé, Axel Witsel; Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne, Nacer Chadli; Romelu Lukaku.
Algeria starting lineup (4-3-3): Raïs M'Bohli; Faouzi Ghoulam, Carl Medjani, Rafik Halliche, Madjid Bougherra; Saphir Taïder, Mehdi Mostefa, Nabil Bentaleb; Riyad Mahrez, El Arbi Hillel Soudani, Sofiane Feghouli.
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