Algeria hold England to 0-0 draw

CAPE TOWN - England coach Fabio Capello would have hoped for a better birthday present Friday as he watched his side being held to an unspectacular 0-0 draw by Group C minnows Algeria.

Neither team produced many quality chances in a game watched by 64,100 fans at Cape Town’s Green Point Stadium. With neither side having won any games so far, the result means both have slimming chances of advancing from the group.

The 1966 world champions, whose Italian coach turned 64 on the day, now have two points from as many games while Algeria - returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1986 - have one point after losing their opening match against Slovenia.

“We still have to play another game and we hope that we will be happier,” Capello said after the match. “I don’t know if it is pressure … We lost too many balls, it’s not the same team I know.”

The big news came even before the match started as under-fire England goalkeeper Robert Green, whose blunder cost England victory against the US, was replaced by veteran David James. In addition, Gareth Barry came into the line-up for James Milner and Jamie Carragher replaced Ledley King.

Algeria coach Rabah Saadane also changed his keeper with Rais M Bohli - earning only his second cap with the national side - replacing Faouzi Chaouchi.

England controlled the run of play in the early going, but Capello’s men rarely threatened the Algerian goalkeeper.

James - who past blunders have earned him the nickname Calamity James - was tested in the 11th minute with Madjid Bougherra’s high ball, which the keeper fisted away.

England’s midfield could not take control and allowed the northern Africans to venture forward - though the Desert Foxes could create little offensive pressure.

M Bohli corralled Steven Gerrard’s long low shot at the half hour mark for England’s first real chance.

And the 24-year-old Slavia Sofia keeper was quick to the ground three minutes later to stop Frank Lampard’s attempt as England began mounting an attack.

The Algerians were truly dangerous for the first time at the 35-minute mark, but Karim Ziani’s blast ended just wide left.

And Capello went into the break shaking his head after a woeful first half showing by his men.

Errors from both sides continued in the second half, though Algeria’s Anther Yahia’s was unlucky to see his free kick end just wide on the hour mark.

England were at times able to get the ball into the area, but they continually lost possession to the motivated and hard-working Algerians - star striker Wayne Rooney looking a shadow of himself.

Capello’s men were as close as they’ve been all night in the 70th minute, but Emile Heskey’s deflected shot found only the upper netting. And M Bohli made a fine save on Gerrard’s header on the ensuring corner.

The England coach was looking for options and creativity in the attack and brought on Shaun Wright-Phillips in the 63rd minute, Jermain DeFoe in the 74th and Peter Crouch with six minutes remaining.

But the English spirit was battered already and could not overcome the upset-hungry Africans.