Algeria defender Madjid Bougherra has claimed that the team has "nothing to lose" as they look to get beyond the group stage for the first time at the World Cup.

The Algerians, who have failed to reach the second round in their previous four attempts, have been pitted against Belgium, Russia and South Korea in Group H.

"The objective is simple; we have to try to pass the first round," Bougherra told Foot Mercato. "We have grown in the past four years. We qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations and we also qualified for the World Cup.

"We should not be shy. It is clear that there will be many obstacles and there will be big teams in front of us but we must not be intimidated. We have nothing to lose."

Algeria start their World Cup campaign on June 17 when they meet Belgium in Belo Horizonte.