Arabie Saoudite – Algérie (0

Algeria ended its training in Jeddah in the most beautiful way by winning 2-0 against Saudi Arabia, in a friendly match where the spotlight returned to winger Anis Hadj-Moussa.

The first period, at first, was a long moment of hesitation. Disjointed, without rhythm or sequences, it revealed an Algerian selection in total lack of inspiration during the first twenty minutes. Seized game circuits, imprecise transmissions, absent animation, the start of the match for Vladimir Petkovic’s men was clearly missed.

Certainly, the last twenty minutes of the first act offered some flashes, allowing the Algerians to create more chances than an opponent who was nevertheless dominating in the game. But overall remained far from the standards expected of a team on the way to the next CAN. The absences of Bensebaïni, Boudaoui and Amoura weighed heavily, without destabilizing a coherently aligned eleven.

The real harm was elsewhere, that is to say in the animation and the connection between the lines. As often since the arrival of Petkovic, the second half served as a revelation. Completely transformed, the Greens showed a completely different face, made of mastery, technical accuracy and clear intentions. More confident, better established on the ground, they were able to vary their offensives, alternating projections in depth and attacks placed on the sides. Logically, this rise in power ended up materializing on the scoreboard. Mahrez opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 74th minute, after Hadj Moussa cut into the box. A goal that rewards a now clear domination. The end of the match will then be one-sided.

Better inspired, after a disjointed game like the team, Hadj Moussa offers a solitary raid before Rafik Belghali who, with admirable composure, crucifies the Saudi goalkeeper for the 2-0. During the previous friendly match against Zimbabwe, Vladimir Petković was unanimous thanks to a clear, readable and attractive playing system. A 3-5-2 faithful to his good Italian training. But against Saudi Arabia this Tuesday, the coach took everyone on the wrong foot with an astonishing, almost disconcerting, tactical approach.

Thus, the Algerian team played with two wingers positioned… on the same side. An extremely rare option at the high level, all the more surprising as it was not dictated by a particular context: it was indeed Petković’s initial choice. Result: an overloaded right flank where Riyad Mahrez and Anis Hadj Moussa, both interesting, found themselves in the same area, while the left side was completely empty. And to leave nothing to chance, even Baghded Bounedjah, number 9, switched in sequences on this flank which had suddenly become the center of gravity of the game. Only a few occasional incursions from Houssem Aouar or Rayan Aït-Nouri came to give a semblance of occupation to the abandoned left lane. Certainly, for a long time, Mohamed Amoura has been very influential in the play of the Algerian team. His absence undoubtedly leaves after-effects.

However, it is difficult to understand the coach’s logic, especially since in the absence of Mohamed Amoura, maintaining the 3-5-2 seemed to be a natural and coherent solution. The Algerian team won their meeting, but this unusual tactical option, to say the least, and which has nothing to do with the performances of the Mahrez-Hadj Moussa duo, adds to the long list of questionable choices of this international break.