Genoa, Italy – Algeria delivered a commanding performance, dismantling Guatemala 7-0 in a friendly match played Friday at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. The dominant victory, fueled by a diverse array of goalscorers, serves as a significant confidence boost for the Fennecs as they prepare for this summer’s expanded FIFA World Cup.
The match, intended as a warm-up for the global tournament, saw Algeria assert its dominance early and often. Six different players found the back of the net, a testament to the team’s attacking depth and versatility. Amine Gouiri, currently playing for Olympique de Marseille, led the charge with a brace, scoring in the 19th and 76th minutes.
Riyad Mahrez, the captain and a seasoned veteran, converted a penalty in the 31st minute, adding his name to the scoresheet. Achref Abada extended Algeria’s lead just before halftime, scoring in added time (45+1’). Houssem Aouar, formerly of Lyon, continued the onslaught immediately after the break, finding the net in the 47th minute. Late goals from Farès Ghedjemis (76th minute) and Nadhir Benbouali (83rd minute) completed the rout.
While Guatemala posed little resistance, the performance is nonetheless encouraging for Algeria as they gear up for a challenging World Cup campaign. The Fennecs are drawn into Group J, where they will face reigning World Cup champions Argentina, along with Austria and Jordan. The match against Argentina, in particular, will be a high-profile test for the North African side.
The victory in Genoa provided an opportunity for Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic to experiment with his lineup and give playing time to several players. Notably, Melvin Mastil, on loan from Lausanne-Sport, earned his first cap, starting in goal in place of Luca Zidane. Petkovic also handed a first start to Achref Abada at right back, and welcomed back Amine Gouiri after a shoulder injury kept him out of the recent African Cup of Nations.
The starting XI named by Petkovic included Mastil in goal, a back line of Abada, Belaïd, Bensebaini, and Aït-Nouri, a midfield trio of Zerrouki, Titraoui, and Aouar, and an attacking front three of Mahrez, Gouiri, and Amoura. The Guatemalan lineup featured Navarro in goal, with Yanes, Pinto, Hernandez, and Morales forming the defense.
The sheer number of goals scored – seven – is a rare occurrence in international friendlies, and highlights the significant gulf in quality between the two sides. Guatemala, which did not qualify for the World Cup, struggled to contain Algeria’s relentless attacks throughout the match.
For Algeria, the focus now shifts to their next friendly, a much tougher test against Uruguay on Tuesday evening (20:30 local time). That match will provide a more accurate gauge of their readiness for the challenges that await them in the World Cup. The game against Uruguay will be crucial in assessing how Algeria stacks up against a more competitive opponent, and will likely inform Petkovic’s final squad selection.
The win in Genoa isn’t just about the scoreline; it’s about building momentum and confidence within the squad. With a blend of experienced stars like Mahrez and emerging talents like Gouiri, Algeria will be looking to make a significant impact at the World Cup this summer. The team’s ability to find goals from multiple sources will be a key asset as they navigate a challenging group stage.
The Stadio Luigi Ferraris saw a strong Algerian presence in the stands, with supporters eager to rally behind their national team ahead of the World Cup. Organizers and MatchWorld encouraged a large turnout, and the atmosphere in the stadium reflected the growing excitement surrounding the Fennecs’ participation in the tournament.
Looking ahead, Algeria’s success in Group J will likely hinge on their ability to secure at least a draw against Argentina and earn victories against Austria and Jordan. The team’s preparation, tactical flexibility, and the form of key players like Gouiri and Mahrez will all be critical factors in determining their fate.
The Algerian national team will undoubtedly be looking to build on this dominant performance as they continue their preparations for the World Cup. The victory over Guatemala serves as a positive step forward, but the real tests lie ahead.
Next up for Algeria is their clash with Uruguay on Tuesday, offering a more realistic assessment of their World Cup credentials. Fans can follow the match and receive official updates through the Algerian Football Federation’s official channels.
