LAWRENCE, Kan. (KCTV) – The Algeria national soccer team hosted an open practice Thursday night at Rock Chalk Park as the squad prepares for next Tuesday’s World Cup opener against Argentina.
Star forward Riyad Mahrez led his squad through a one-hour practice in high heat and humidity. Earlier in the day, the team toured Allen Fieldhouse and Mahrez kicked a 30-yard field goal at the Jayhawks’ new football stadium.
Algeria will open World Cup play against Argentina next Tuesday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
Fans turned out to watch the practice session.
“I feel like we have a chance,” one fan said. “I mean, we’re the underdogs, obviously. But I feel like if they put their heart and put enough work into it, they can achieve anything.”
Another fan said the team’s World Cup appearance has been anticipated for years.
“This is something very, very special,” the fan said. “We have been looking forward to it, actually, since 2014 when we qualified the last time to the World Cup. We are very excited.”
One fan said they drove 26 hours to see the team practice. Another Lawrence resident said the proximity made attending the practice an easy decision.
“I actually live just about five minutes away from here, so this is a treat,” the Lawrence resident said. “And when I heard that Algeria was doing the open practice this evening, I had to be here.”
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