Algeria's World Cup performance this year was better than most outsiders would have expected.

The North African nation managed just one draw in their group stage matches but it was the manner in which they handled themselves and provided problems for all three opponents.

A narrow 1-0 loss to Slovenia first up was followed by a solid performance against the might of England whom they kept goalless. Their third game saw them beaten in the dying seconds by the USA and stranded on the bottom of Group C with just one point.

But Algeria were a very difficult team to beat despite the fact they were unable to hit the back of the net and their first appearance in the World Cup finals since 1986 was a positive one.

Les Fennecs boss Rabah Saadane said it was a good performance from an inexperienced squad.

"This is a young side that doesn't yet have the necessary experience," he told FIFA.com.

"For a lot of players this was only their first call-up but we have learned a lot and the boys have had a wonderful experience here. I am convinced this side has a bright future in front of it and it is going to achieve some big things in the years to come."

Finished: 28th Record: Wins - 0; Draws - 1; Losses - 2; Points - 1 Matches: Slovenia (0-1), England (0-0), USA (0-1) Goals: 0 Against: 2

tribalfootball.com's Star Man Madjid Bougherra (Was brilliant in defence and gets the nod slightly ahead of fellow defender Nadir Belhadj and keeper Rais M'Bolhi)

Official statistics

Minutes playedMehdi Lacen 270 Nadir Belhadj 270 Madjid Bougherra 270 Rafik Halliche 270 Antar Yahia 270

Top scorers nil

Total shotsHassan Yebda 9 Karim Matmour 6 Abdelkader Ghezzal 3 Rafik Djebbour 3

Pass Completion RateHassan Yebda 84% Rafik Halliche 81% Nadir Belhadj 77% Foued Kadir 77%

Most FoulsHassan Yebda 8 Karim Matmour 8 Foued Kadir 6

Yellow cardsMehdi Lacen 2 Hassan Yebda 2

Red cards Antar Yahia 1 (2 yellows) Abelkader Ghezzal 1 (2 yellows)

Saves Rais M'Bolhi 14