For Algeria and Jordan, the margin for error has almost disappeared. Both nations began their World Cup campaigns with defeats and arrive in California knowing that another setback could leave qualification hopes hanging by the thinnest of threads. While neither side was expected to challenge Argentina for top spot in Group J, this fixture always looked likely to play a major role in determining who remained alive heading into the final round of matches. The pressure is therefore very different from that of an opening game. Ambition now has to be matched by results.

Analysis

Algeria Need A Response After A Flat Start

There was no shame in losing to Argentina. The defending champions have made life difficult for far stronger opponents than Algeria, and Lionel Messi once again demonstrated why he remains the defining figure of this generation. What will concern Vladimir Petkovic more is how little his side managed to impose themselves on the contest.

Algeria spent much of the evening reacting rather than dictating. Attacks were sporadic, possession rarely translated into meaningful opportunities and the game drifted away long before the final whistle.

That is unlikely to happen against Jordan. The Fennecs should enjoy more of the ball and more freedom in advanced areas, placing greater emphasis on their creative players. Riyad Mahrez may no longer be carrying the side in the way he once did, but Algeria still possess enough attacking quality to trouble opponents that leave space behind.

The decision to leave Mohamed Amoura out of the starting lineup against Argentina also raised eyebrows. His pace and direct running offer something different to Algeria’s attack, and this feels like the type of match where those attributes could become particularly valuable.

Above all, Algeria need to play with greater conviction. They arrived at the tournament believing a place in the knockout rounds was achievable, and this is the fixture that may ultimately define whether that ambition becomes reality.

Jordan Must Turn Competitive Displays Into Points

Jordan’s World Cup debut ended in defeat, but there were positives to take from the performance.

For long periods against Austria, they looked organised, disciplined and capable of causing problems when opportunities presented themselves. The scoreline only became more decisive late in the match, and there were moments when an upset looked genuinely possible.

The challenge is that encouraging defeats do not move teams closer to qualification. Jordan’s recent record points to a recurring issue. They have remained competitive in games, yet have struggled to prevent opponents creating enough chances to eventually pull away. Conceding multiple goals has become a worrying pattern and one that Algeria will be eager to exploit.

That places additional responsibility on players such as Ali Olwan and Musa Al Taamari. Both remain the clearest attacking outlets available to Jamal Sellami, and Jordan may need a moment of individual quality to change the direction of this match.

The good news is that the pressure sits largely with Algeria. Jordan enter the contest as underdogs and can approach the game with considerably less expectation.

A Different Kind Of World Cup Match

This is unlikely to resemble either side’s opening fixture. Argentina controlled Algeria through superior technical quality. Austria stretched Jordan through physical intensity and relentless pressure. Monday’s contest feels more likely to become a battle between two teams who know exactly what is at stake.

The opening goal could carry enormous importance. Algeria will want to establish control and force Jordan onto the back foot. Jordan will be eager to frustrate their opponents and make the game uncomfortable for as long as possible. Patience may prove just as important as quality.

Verdict

Jordan showed enough against Austria to suggest they are capable of competing at this level, but their defensive record remains difficult to ignore.

Algeria were disappointing against Argentina, yet they now face an opponent far more suited to their strengths. With greater attacking depth and more proven match-winners across the pitch, the North Africans should create enough opportunities to get their tournament back on track.

Tip

Algeria to win.