Algeria manager Rabah Saadane is looking to make alterations to areas of his team's play before the World Cup.
Desert Hawks turn attention to Slovenia date
Algeria manager Rabah Saadane says he is looking to make alterations to areas of his team's play before the start of the World Cup.
Saadane saw his team run out 1-0 victors over the United Arab Emirates in a friendly thanks to a second-half penalty from Karim Ziani, a goal which helped to end a run of four successive defeats.
The Desert Hawks will now turn their attention to their Group C opener with Slovenia next Sunday boosted by the return of defender Madjid Bougherra, who marked his comeback from injury by helping his side earn a clean sheet.
The Algerian coach was pleased with the performance of his side, but wanted to fine tune the details of his side's set-up ahead of the Slovenia test.
Positives and negatives
He said: "I must also stress that there were many positives and also negatives. Among the positives are the physicality of the players. We played an attacking game to try and win, given our status as a World Cup team.
"There were many problems with ball retention. No one could keep the ball and I asked the players at half-time to improve on this and they did in the second half.
"There are still some problems in attack, where we lack the finishing ability. Hopefully this will be with us during the World Cup."
Saadane is hopeful the alterations can be implemented before the weekend showdown in Polokwane, which will herald the start of the country's third appearance at the finals.
Algeria face England and the United States following their game against Slovenia, with a tough task awaiting if a round of 16 place is to be attained.
Step closer
But the boss is pleased with the progress being made by his players as the start of the tournament edges ever closer.
Saadane said: "This game was a good test for us. It was very tough and a high level.
"It demonstrated the capabilities of the team, especially with the players returning from injury and took us a step closer to where we want to be.
"There was a lot of willingness on the part of the players, who have given a great deal in these last few weeks."
The coach was relieved not to have sustained any more injuries in the friendly prior to kick-off in South Africa, adding: "Thanks to God there have been no injuries at the end of the game."
