Background and career
Karim Koceila Yanis Ziani (Arabic: كريم زياني; born 17 August 1982) is a former professional footballer. He played in different midfield positions but was best known as a playmaker. Born in France, he represented Algeria at international level.
Ziani is considered a national hero by many Algerians as it was his cross that led to the goal that put Algeria into their first World Cup since 1986 at the expense of bitter rivals Egypt. He played at the 2004 and 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, the latter in which Algeria finished fourth and the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Overall, he participated in 62 official matches for the Algerian national team and scored five goals.
