FIFA Wolrd Cup: Algeria to face Solvenia today

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FIFA Wolrd Cup: Algeria to face Solvenia today

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13 June,2010 11:39 am

Three matches have been scheduled for today in FIFA World Cup, i.e Algeria-Slovenia, Group C, Polokwane, Germany-Australia, Group D, Durban and Serbia-Ghana, Group D, Pretoria. The first match between Algeria and Solvenia would start at PST 4:30; both the teams face each other for the first time in the mega event. Algeria defeated Egypt to qualify for this round while Slovenians got here after clinching European qualifying round. The North Africans have not appeared on the world stage since Mexico 1986, while Slovenia lost all three of their matches at Korea/Japan 2002. As surprise qualifiers, each will have something to prove heading into what could be a physically rugged contest. In a curious twist of fate typical of the FIFA World Cup, Australia's opening opponents in a fierce-looking Group D here on South African soil are none other than Germany, host nation for the Socceroos' previous two finals trips in 1974 and 2006. Having reached the Round of 16 four years ago, the Aussies will be keen to repeat that feat, yet a group containing the three-time world champions taking part in their 17th finals as well as Serbia and Ghana leaves little margin for error. Third match: Group D rivals Serbia and Ghana will take to the pitch at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane/Pretoria knowing their qualification hopes for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 could well hinge on this encounter. On the other hand, the match was tie between US and UK, while Argentina and South Korea won their first matches.