Algeria coach Rabah Saadane was baffled by England's performance as his side earned a 0-0 draw.
Wily Desert Foxes earn draw to boost progression hopes
Algeria coach Rabah Saadane was baffled by England's performance as his side held their highly-rated counterparts to a 0-0 draw.
The stalemate in Cape Town resembled a triumph for the Algerians, who were widely expected to be the World Cup Group C whipping boys in South Africa.
However, Saadane saw his players put on a superb rearguard action to stifle their lacklustre opponents to earn a point that gives the Desert Foxes a slim chance of progression.
Victory against the USA on Wednesday would put them in contention, depending on other results, a position unthinkable prior to the tournament.
All the questions will be asked of Fabio Capello's team as to why they didn't beat their lower-ranked rivals, and Saadane was also perplexed by the Three Lions' inability to break his team down.
He said: "I don't know what happened to them."
The Algeria coach, in his fifth spell at the helm, felt his charges were capable of snatching all three points, adding: "We could have won and so could England. Both had opportunities.
Underestimated
"I think it was a match where everyone tried as much as they could and it's a pity it was a draw and a goalless draw at that."
A point against one of the power houses of international football will give the Algerians confidence going into their final pool match, and midfielder Ryad Boudebouz believes victory against the Americans in Pretoria is not beyond them.
Boudebouz felt his team had been written off thanks to the complacency of the England players and media prior to the encounter at the Green Point Stadium and he said the draw vindicated their place in the tournament.
He said: "We are pleased with the draw as the English underestimated us in the media over recent days.
"We were determined to show them we were not just here for the ride and that we have a decent team.
"Now we have to play the United States and we know if we play like we did tonight we can beat them."
