Jordan - Algeria: The time for awakening has come!

Clearly dejected after the crushing opening defeat against Argentina (3-0), the supporters of the National Team are now waiting for a beautiful and great victory against Jordan.

The readings seemed quite different. On the supporters' side, it was a time of panic for some and rancid criticism for others, as the Greens disappointed against an Argentina that, in hindsight, seemed more vulnerable than Algeria wanted to believe. On the selection side, however, the mix of fatalism and annoyance surprised more than one: it was heard that there was no reason to worry, that after all it was Messi on the other side (and the Messi of a world champion Argentina, moreover) and that the reactions of some and others were exaggerated.

Ultimately, it doesn't matter. This first outing is already behind us, and only the last two matches count since only the last two matches could allow us to qualify. So, it's time for Jordan, the second opponent in the group, alongside the Greens at the very bottom of this group J.

Defeated by Austria 3-1, the selection from the Hashemite Kingdom appears to be the most accessible opponent for the Greens. Their style - a 3-4-3 built for transition play - should allow the Algerians to do what they love most, which is to hold the ball. For everything else, it is with humility and a vengeful spirit that the EN must present itself, whatever the team facing it.

One important note nonetheless: the Jordanians run, and they run a lot, which perhaps explains their willingness to rely on counter-attacks and is also explained by the profile of most of their players, starting with Moussa Al Tamari, a versatile player from Stade Rennais. This is probably what the Greens lacked against Argentina, and we can hope that those who were diminished (Boudaoui) or who disappointed (Bentaleb) show up in better conditions... or are replaced.

Changes, indeed, are on the agenda. The formation is unlikely to evolve - one might be surprised to see Petković opt for a three-man defense against Jordan and not against Argentina - but some of his men (most likely neither Zidane nor the duo Mandi - Bensebaïni and the full-backs Aït-Nouri and Belghali) will.