Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane has unexpectedly become a focal point of discussion during the World Cup following Leo Messi’s impressive hat-trick in the recent Algeria-Argentina match. As Algeria prepares to face Jordan again tomorrow, Tuesday, at 5 AM CEST (4 AM BST), their “destiny is in their own hands,” as emphasized by coach Vladimir Petkovic to journalists during a pre-match press conference.
Zidane, the 28-year-old son of World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane, who switched his sporting nationality from France to Algeria, is reportedly set to retain his starting position. “Everyone is entitled to make mistakes. I have complete faith in his abilities,” Petkovic stated to journalists, according to the German news agency DPA. This endorsement comes despite criticism regarding Zidane’s performance, the three goals conceded, and his limited experience with the national team.
With Argentina poised to take the lead in Group J if they defeat Austria today, Algeria’s focus shifts to securing second place in Group J by beating Jordan this evening and then Austria in the final group stage match on Sunday. Qualification as a third-placed team remains a possibility, but it would necessitate an improvement in their goal difference, currently at -3, largely attributed to Messi’s performance.
English Translation
Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane has unexpectedly become one of the most talked-about players of the World Cup after Leo Messi scored a hat-trick during the Algeria-Argentina match last Wednesday. Algeria will face Jordan again tomorrow, Tuesday, at 5 AM CEST, 4 AM BST, with “their destiny in their own hands,” as coach Vladimir Petkovic reminded journalists during the pre-match press conference.
And Zidane, 28, the son of World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane, who changed his sporting nationality from France to Algeria, is apparently set to remain the starting goalkeeper. “Everyone has the right to make mistakes. I have full confidence in his abilities,” Petkovic told journalists, according to the German news agency DPA, despite criticism of his performance and the three goals conceded, as well as his lack of experience in the national team.
With Argentina set to take the lead in Group J today if they beat Austria, Algeria could aim for second place in Group J if they beat Jordan this evening, and then Austria in the last group match on Sunday. Qualification as a third-placed team is possible, but it would require them to improve their goal difference, which is currently -3 because of Messi…