Algeria beats Netherlands 1-0 with Luca Zidane’s masked heroics

Algeria secured a 1‑0 victory over the Netherlands in Rotterdam on 3 June, a win that strengthens their bid for the 2026 World Cup. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane, the son of French legend Zinédine Zidane, played while wearing a protective facial mask after recent jaw surgery and made a series of decisive saves, including a last‑minute stop on a Depay strike. The only goal came from substitute winger Anis Hadj Moussa, whose finish in the 86th minute clinched the match.

Algerian coach Ljubiša Petković praised the squad’s performance but noted the selection dilemma between veteran Riyad Mahrez and emerging talents like Hadj Moussa. Mahrez, who has long been a focal point of the team, remains in the squad despite being substituted at halftime, while the younger winger is being touted as a potential future starter for the World Cup campaign.