Onyewu out of US lineup, Djebbour starts for Algeria in Group C match

Onyewu out of US lineup, Algeria’s Djebbour starts

PRETORIA, South Africa — The United States left center back Oguchi Onyewu on the bench in a shakeup to its lineup as it took on Algeria in a Group C World Cup match Wednesday.

Onyewu was replaced by Jonathan Bornstein, while Herculez Gomez came on for suspended striker Robbie Findley. Maurice Edu was in the midfield instead of Jose Torres.

The U.S. Soccer Federation said it was coach Bob Bradley’s decision to leave Onyewu out of the lineup and was not related to his fitness. Bornstein started on the left in the defense, with captain Carlos Bocanegra stepping into the center of the back four.

Algeria made one change from its lineup against England, bringing on striker Rafik Djebbour to lead its attack, ahead of Karim Matmour and Karim Ziani.

Djebbour played in Algeria’s 1-0 loss to Slovenia, but was left out of the lineup in its second match against England.

Algeria needs to win to have any chance of advancing from the group. A draw could be enough for the United States depending on the result in the other Group C match between England and Slovenia.

Rais Bolhi guarded the net for the North African side for the second consecutive match. Goalkeeper Fawzi Chaouchi was dropped after fumbling a shot from Robert Koren that gave Slovenia the win in the first match.

Lineups:

United States: Tim Howard, Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit, Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Bornstein, Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, Maurice Edu, Clint Dempsey, Herculez Gomez, Jozy Altidore.

Algeria: Rais Bolhi, Madjid Bougherra, Nadir Belhadj, Anther Yahia, Rafik Halliche, Medhi Lacen, Rafik Djebbour, Karim Matmour, Karim Ziani, Hassen Yebda, Fouad Kadir.