Algeria Versus Slovenia. Now You Know I'm A Fan

I didn't get up at 4 a.m. today, but I recorded Algeria and Slovenia and have avoided all news of the results, so I will blog as if I saw it live. The game is key for these two other teams from Group C with the US and England, as the draw yesterday opens the door a little bit. But I would imagine it is a door to a Slovenia-only restaurant, which seems kind of discriminatory, doesn't it?

ORIGINAL PREDICTION: SLOVENIA 3, ALGERIA 2.

FANTASY PLAYER UPDATE: ROBERT KOREN STARTS FOR SLOVENIA. I PICKED HIM ONLY BECAUSE WORLD SOCCER SAID HE WAS GOOD. I HOPE THEY ARE RIGHT.

Slovenia is wearing green, Algeria wears white. That's the sort of fascinating detail you can expect today, because I know very little about either of these teams. Nor do I care about them except as obstacles to the US and England.

Algeria earns a free kick in a dangerous spot about 25 yards out. Nadir Belhadj whips in a dangerous shot, but the Slovenian keeper deals with it well.

Yes, the vuvuzelas continue to be annoying. If they are 'cultural', they must be like the Fox News of South Africa's musical culture.

Not much danger yet from either team, through fifteen minutes. Fortunately, I'm about to go get doughnuts, orange juice, bagels, coffee, and the Sunday papers, which will liven things up a bit.

Some nice passing by Slovenia leads to a good cross, but the keeper grabbed it well.

So far, neither side has a clear advantage; they seem to be evenly matched.

Well-deserved yellow card on a Slovenian player who tripped Belhadj as he surged past him down the line.

Belhadj shows some good attacking flair with his runs down that left flank.

The first really dangerous shot from Slovenia, set up by a fine pass by Robert Koren. Nearly a Slovenian goal, and more importantly, almost fantasy points for me.

HALFTIME, with the score nil-nil. The doughnut was particularly good, though. As was the coffee.

A few good chances have been undermined by a poor first touch for both sides. I think the US and England should be able to deal with both countries comfortably, if they don't get complacent.

Slovenia is starting to get a few more shots in the 63rd minute, and look to possibly have the chance to take control.

Red card to Ghezzal of Algeria, for two yellow cards. That was a silly, blatant hand ball to get the second card, and now Algeria is in real trouble. Down a man.

Algeria will now have to hope to hold on for a draw. 15 minutes to go. That would be a good result for them, after the red card.

Wasted chance as a Slovenian defended did not come get a pass from the keeper, and Ziani of Algeria steals the ball away and nearly scores.

Slovenia is not really attacking or taking advantage of being up a man.

ROBERT KOREN MAKES ME A LIAR BY SCORING A GOAL THE KEEPER SHOULD HAVE STOPPED, EARNING SLOVENIA A LEAD AND FANTASY POINTS FOR SAN FRANCISCO BOHEMIAN UNITED!

A victory for Slovenia would make the group very interesting, with Slovenia topping the table with three points, and England and the US level on one point each.

More rough fouls on both sides and the game wound down to a Slovenia victory. Just the one goal, but I was right on the margin of victory!