A dramatic last gasp defeat to the United States in Pretoria on Wednesday condemned Algeria to last place in Group C, with just a single point from their three games and no goals.
A 0-0 draw with England last Friday will become a long-standing highlight but coach Rabah Saadane said he believed the Algeria side, whose qualification for the tournament in South Africa was a surprise after years in the doldrums, were now headed to an exciting future.
"We didn't expect miracles at the World Cup," he said in matter-of-fact tone after the loss at Loftus Versfeld. "But we are satisfied despite going out.
"We've learnt a great deal and acquired a lot of experience. It's a step by step process."
Algeria's scoring woes stretch back several years and are highlighted by the fact they have not scored a goal in open play since January's African Nations Cup quarter-final win over the Ivory Coast.
"Our attacking sector needs more effort. We have to seek some new players to help find a solution," added the coach.
One consolation for the Algerians as they headed home was expressed by captain Antar Yahia, born in Mulhouse on the Franco-German border, after Wednesday's game: "We did, at the least, as well as the France team."
