Algeria delivers 4:0 warm-up win over Bolivia ahead of World Cup opener

After the interval, Amine Gouiri of Marseille impressed with a brace (56th, 58th). The third goal within five minutes was scored by Feyenoord winger Anis Hadj Moussa (61st), who had netted the winner in the 1:0 friendly victory away in the Netherlands the previous week.

Three goals in five minutes

At 1:0 at the break, Petkovic made all eleven substitutions, turning the second half into something of an experiment in many respects. The North Africans were extremely hungry for goals during this phase and used the remaining playing time to make their mark going forward.

Bolivia had failed to qualify for the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico. In the South American qualifiers, the team had finished in seventh place and then lost 1:2 to Iraq in the intercontinental play-off.

Outlook: Duel with Argentina and Austria

Algeria begin their first World Cup appearance since 2014 in Group J next Wednesday (3:00 a.m. CEST) against defending champions Argentina. The Algerians, also known as "Les Verts," will also face Jordan in the group.

For the Austrian Football Association, the match is a direct warning signal. The Algerians will meet Austria in Kansas City in June (from 3:50 a.m. CEST live on ORF1). The ÖFB side will also play the duel in Kansas City (June 28) and will thus face an opponent who is clearly in World Cup form.

Consequences for Austria

The outlook ahead of the tournament could hardly be better for Algeria. Following the thrashing of Bolivia and the 1:0 away win in the Netherlands the previous week, Petkovic's side is in convincing shape. The squad's depth, highlighted by the eleven half-time changes, in particular gives cause for optimism.

For Austria, the key will be blunting the offensive power of the Algerians around Mandi, Gouiri and Hadj Moussa. In recent weeks, the North Africans have shown that they are capable of scoring several goals within a few minutes and deciding matches.