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Algeria's World Cup defeat to Argentina sparks criticism of goalkeeper Luca Zidane
via Algérie3603 min read
Algeria's national football team suffered a significant 0-3 defeat against Argentina in their opening World Cup match, drawing comparisons to their 1986 loss to Spain. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane, playing for Granada FC, faced intense criticism for his performance. Football analysts, including Abou Trika of beIN Sports, attributed a large share of the responsibility for Argentina's first two goals to Zidane. Amine Akasas, on an Algerian sports channel, also expressed strong disapproval of his play. The match was attended by Zinédine Zidane, Luca's father, and his three other sons, Enzo, Théo, and Elyaz, with Zinédine Zidane appearing visibly distressed. Luca Zidane's participation in the World Cup was previously uncertain after he sustained a jaw fracture in April, requiring surgery. Despite this, he recovered and was selected by coach Petkovic due to injuries to other goalkeepers, Mandréa and Mastil. Before the tournament, Zidane had recorded five clean sheets in seven international appearances. His decision to represent Algeria was seen as a significant choice, rooted in his family's Kabyle heritage.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Algérie360.
Must ReadThe Swedish Parliament has passed a new law allowing for the revocation of immigrants' residence permits based on behavior deemed incompatible with remaining in the country. This measure has drawn significant criticism from several NGOs. The law mandates that the "conduct" of foreign nationals will now be a criterion for granting residence permits in Sweden. Specific examples of such conduct include unpaid debts, undeclared work, criminal activity, non-payment of taxes, or links to extremist organizations. This legislation is part of a broader tightening of Sweden's migration policy, spearheaded by the right-wing government and supported by the nationalist Sweden Democrats, particularly ahead of legislative elections. The new measure applies to both pending residence permit applications and permits already granted. The Swedish Migration Agency will be responsible for reviewing cases and withdrawing permits, with the possibility of appeal to the migration court. The opposition and human rights organizations have strongly criticized the law, especially because its criteria are based on behaviors that are not necessarily criminal offenses. The Civil Rights Defenders organization stated that the "good conduct law leaves people uncertain about what actions or expressions can be used against them." Amnesty International went further, denouncing it as a "racist law" and accusing the Swedish government of "creating a system that treats people differently based on their ethnic origin.
Must ReadAn exceptional heatwave is set to affect Algeria's northern wilayas starting Thursday, with record temperatures anticipated due to a hot air mass from the Grand South. Meteorological forecasts indicate this Saharan air mass will persist over northern regions, with inland wilayas experiencing temperatures exceeding 42°C in the shade. From Thursday to Saturday, temperatures in the interior western and central regions will range between 40°C and 42°C. Coastal areas will see temperatures between 35°C and 38°C, but high humidity will make it feel more oppressive. The Grand South will experience the most extreme heat, with maximums between 40°C and 49°C in areas like In Salah, Adrar, and Bordj Badji Mokhtar. Marine conditions will also be disturbed, with moderate to strong winds causing rough seas along the coast, prompting caution for seafarers and vacationers. This heatwave follows a series of intense heat episodes since the beginning of summer, with temperatures reaching 48°C in some Saharan wilayas in early June. Authorities advise limiting outdoor activities during the hottest hours, staying well-hydrated, and monitoring the elderly, children, and chronically ill. Regularly consulting official weather bulletins from the National Meteorology Office is also recommended to adapt to changing conditions. The impending extreme heat poses a significant health risk, especially for vulnerable individuals.
Algeria has successfully repatriated the manuscript "Moufid al-Mouhtaj fi Charh al-Siraj" after it was listed for auction in Paris. The announcement of its return coincided with the opening of the international symposium "The Routes of Ink in Algeria" before its official handover to the Ministry of Culture and Arts. Malika Bendouda, the Minister of Culture and Arts, stated that the manuscript is a profound expression of Algerian civilization and a key tool for cultural diplomacy. Written by the Algerian scholar Sahnoun ibn Othman al-Wansharisi between 1609 and 1610, the work is a commentary on "As-Siraj fi ‘ilm al-falak," an astronomy treatise by Abderrahmane al-Akhdari al-Biskri. Algerian authorities, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, intervened to suspend the sale and secure the document. This repatriation is part of a broader effort to recover national heritage. Separately, weapons belonging to Emir Abdelkader, displayed in Stains, France, were acquired by the "Fédération franco-algérienne du renouveau" for imminent restitution to Algeria, as confirmed by historian Benjamin Stora. This development occurs while the joint commission of Algerian and French historians, co-chaired by Benjamin Stora, remains stalled due to diplomatic tensions between Algiers and Paris in July 2024.