Algeria has no fear of the United States at the World Cup. d.

Algeria’s surprising 0-0 draw with England saved it from becoming the first team to exit the World Cup. Now the north Africans are targeting a win over the Americans and a spot in the next roun“If Algeria plays to its potential we don’t need to worry about our opponents,” midfielder Karim Matmour said on Tuesday. “If we play our style of football we can beat anyone.”

Algeria, with only one point in Group C, must beat the United States on Wednesday in Pretoria for any chance of advancing to the World Cup’s knockout stage for the first time.

England plays Slovenia at the same time in the tight group’s other match. Slovenia leads the group with four points, followed by the United States and England with two points apiece.

Matmour knows it will be tough against a higher-ranked US team — 14th for the Americans, 30th for the Algerians. The US team salvaged a 1-1 draw against England and then rallied from 2-0 down at halftime against Slovenia for a 2-2 draw.

Algerian teams in the past have featured highly skilled players who did not play well together, and that has hurt them against superior teams.

Now, veteran coach Rabah Saadane has honed the combinations. “I play for the team. That is every player’s job,” Matmour said.