Notable Name in Algeria's Squad Against Oranje: Zidane's 28-year-old Son Plays with a Mask

The 28-year-old Zidane almost missed out on Algeria's World Cup squad. In late April, he fractured his jaw and chin in the closing stages of the Granada - Almeria match in the Spanish second division. He had to be substituted, and there were fears that the biggest name in the squad would be absent. However, he has been declared fit just in time to participate, provided he wears a protective mask.

With his customary number 23 jersey, it remains to be seen if he will be the starting goalkeeper at the World Cup and if any risks will be taken for the Netherlands' farewell match. Nevertheless, he will be delighted to be included at all for his first-ever World Cup. Years ago, he chose a different path than his world-renowned father. Zinedine Zidane won the World Cup with France in 1998 and became one of the greatest players of all time. In 2006, he was close to a second world title when he lost his composure in the final against Italy, delivering the infamous headbutt to defender Marco Materazzi.

Despite this, the younger Zidane decided to switch nationalities. This was possible because his paternal grandparents are Algerian. Luca Zidane played for all of France's youth teams but ultimately opted for Algeria. The North African nation returns to the World Cup this summer after a 12-year absence and is grouped with reigning world champions Argentina, debutants Jordan, and Austria.

Besides Zidane, Algeria's squad boasts numerous other familiar names. Riyad Mahrez is perhaps the most prominent, having surprisingly won the Premier League with Leicester City in 2015/2016 and also excelling at Manchester City. From the Netherlands, we know Ramiz Zerrouki (FC Twente/Feyenoord) and Anis Hadj Moussa (Feyenoord). Rami Bensebaïni (Borussia Dortmund) and Rayan Ait-Nouri (City) have also become European stars.

Netherlands - Algeria kicks off at 8:45 PM in De Kuip in Rotterdam.