Argentina vs Algeria LIVE: FIFA World Cup Group J score, commentary, updates & stats

Algeria - What players should we look out for?

Argentina v Algeria (02:00 BST)

Chris Adams

BBC Sport journalist

Second in the all-time appearance and goalscoring lists for his country, Al-Ahli's Riyad Mahrez, 35, captains the side. A Champions League winner with Manchester City, he lifted five Premier League titles: four at the Etihad and one at Leicester City.

The 10-goal top scorer in African qualifying, diminutive Wolfsburg forward Mohamed Amoura, 26, notched his first international hat-trick last year against Mozambique. Won the Belgian Cup and scored in the Europa League with previous club Union SG.

The bright young hope of Algerian football, Bayer Leverkusen's Berlin-born playmaker Ibrahim Maza, 20, has been christened 'Mazadona' by fans for his excellent close control and creative spark.

What can we expect from Algeira?

Argentina v Algeria (02:00 BST)

Chris Adams

BBC Sport journalist

A team that, on its day, is wonderful to watch. They have attacking talent in spades, ranging from Riyad Mahrez to the emerging Ibrahim Maza.

Vladimir Petkovic, the Bosnian who worked wonders with Switzerland, places a strong emphasis on fitness and is eyeing up second place in the group.

His usual 4-2-3-1 set-up invites full-backs Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rafik Belghali to attack with speed while two deeper midfielders sit in to protect a centre-back pairing that lacks pace, although a flatter 4-1-4-1 approach is also possible.

The Fennecs (Desert Foxes) advanced from the group stage in their previous World Cup in 2014. They might not replicate their fierce rivals Morocco's run to the semis in 2022, but don't be surprised if Algeria turn a few heads this summer.

A diverse range of options in attack will keep opposition managers guessing. Riyad Mahrez may no longer last 90 minutes, but his touch and finesse are still evident. Mohamed Amoura was prolific in qualifying, young Ibrahim Maza is supremely gifted, while Anis Hadj Moussa offers trickery off the bench.

However, since winning the 2019 Afcon, Algeria's record at major finals is mixed. They went out in the group stage at the following two editions before their recent run to the last eight. Three keepers with 10 caps between them is not ideal when they've kept just one clean sheet in their past 13 World Cup games.

The small Kansas city that has embraced a World Cup team

Argentina v Algeria (02:00 BST)

Alex Howell

BBC Sport England reporter in Kansas

In a small city in the state of Kansas, a World Cup love story has started. Algeria have made Lawrence their home for the tournament - and the city has been taken over by national flags.

"When we found out Algeria was coming here, we started preparations to make sure they knew they were welcome," said Ruth DeWitt - director of community relations at the city's tourism bureau, Explore Lawrence.

"Lawrence has rolled out the red carpet in so many different ways. We are so happy they chose Lawrence as their base camp. We've never had anything like this here before so we are thrilled they're here."

Before the team arrived, the city - which has a population of about 100,000 - held 'Soccer 101' classes teaching locals the rules of football along with lessons about Algeria and fan culture.

The players were welcomed by hundreds of fans as they pulled into the city, with even more filling Rock Chalk Park for the team's community training session, when players interacted with local children.

And with Algerian communities based just outside of Kansas City in neighbouring Missouri - about 40 miles from Lawrence - there are visitors travelling to the region daily hoping to get a glimpse of their heroes.

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