Pretoria: The compact defense that proved so effective against England won't be enough when Algeria takes on the United States in a decisive Group C match on Wednesday.
That's why coach Rabah Saadane isn't entirely sure about sticking to the same lineup that held a frustrated England to a 0-0 draw.
"The second option is perhaps to make a change," Saadane said. "And it will be with the forwards."
Most likely that means reintroducing striker Rafik Djebour in front of Algeria's five-man midfield.
Djebour played in the 1-0 loss to group leader Slovenia but was replaced by the less offensive Karim Matmour against England.
Anything less than victory will spell the end of their tournament, and even if they win, the North Africans could be eliminated if group leader Slovenia loses narrowly to England.
The United States will advance to the round of 16 if it beats Algeria, while a draw would suffice if England loses to Slovenia. If the United States and England both draw, the Americans would advance provided they end up with more goals scored than the English — currently the U.S. has three goals, while England has one.
So count on United States coach Bob Bradley to be keeping one eye the action at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria and the other on the score in the England-Slovenia match, which will be played simultaneously.
"It's important to know, especially as you get into the second half," Bradley said Tuesday. "So we'll be on top of that and factor that information. But we certainly understand from the start that the idea for us to go out and try to win the game."
So far, the Americans have salvaged two draws, after dropping an early goal to England and going down 2-0 in the first half against Slovenia.
Given the stakes, Matmour is not expecting a beautiful game against the United States.
"Today's football is very physical. Skill is just for the final meters," Matmour said. "I'm quite happy to see everybody play the most simple game possible."
The Americans, too, are expecting a bruising battle, with both teams keeping a compact defense — at least early on.
"Initially it's going to be a game that's going to be tight," said Clint Dempsey, who scored the United States' equalizer in the 1-1 draw with England. "And then as the game goes on, seeing how things go, it's going to have to open up, no matter what. People are going to start taking risks because we know that pretty much a draw is not going to get you through."
Substitute Abdelkader Ghezzal is back for Algeria after a one-match suspension following a red card in the opening game, while United States striker Robbie Findley is suspended after receiving his second yellow card against Slovenia.
Edson Buddle could be paired with Jozy Altidore in the American attack. Altidore missed the first part of Tuesday's training because of an upset stomach, but joined his teammates on the field just before practice was closed to reporters.
"Jozy just wasn't feeling well, but he'll be fine for Wednesday," Bradley said.
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