ALGIERS, Algeria -- The Muslim players in World Cup teams that have qualified for the second round in Brazil face a thorny question on Sunday when much of the Islamic world will start observing the holy month of Ramadan with a dawn to dusk fast. Grant Hill Suns Jersey . The question is trickiest for the Algerian team, which faces a formidable German side on Monday. There are also Muslims on the Nigerian and French teams and those players also will have to weigh their religious convictions against the possible effects of fasting on their performance. "We need to discuss it among ourselves," Algerian player Djamel Mesbah said. "Its clear that our religion is very important for the team, so we will talk about it and see how to go forward." Athletes in the Olympics in 2012 faced the same hurdle, with many teams allowing their players to eat during Ramadan so as not to impair their performance and make up for it at another time or make donations to charity. While fasting during daytime over the 30 days of Ramadan, including abstaining from drinking liquids, is mandatory for all able bodied Muslims and one of the five pillars of Islam, there are exemptions, including for the sick, pregnant, infirm or elderly. Those travelling or going to war are also excluded and it is under this provision that most athletes will likely delay the fast until a more suitable time. Algerian team captain Madjid Bouguerra pointed out in interviews with the Algerian press that it is a challenge Muslim players in European clubs have long faced and when he was with the Glasgow Rangers, he fasted but made sure he kept his performance up. "The hardest thing is staying hydrated, but its ok, the weathers good here," he said. "Some players will postpone their fast for another time, but depending on my physical condition, I think I will do it." Bacary Sagna, a Muslim player in the French squad, said that many of the players who do it are used to it from their time in the European leagues and able to function. "As a Muslim I know that there are certain rules that allow us to avoid it," he told The Associated Press in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil. "Personally Im not going to do it, everyones free to do as they will and I totally respect those that will do it." From a religious standpoint, however, it becomes a bit more complex. Islam lacks a central hierarchy like the Catholic church and any imam can issue an opinion that is then obeyed depending on how much respect they command. Even in Algeria, which is bathing in the euphoria of qualifying for the second round of the World Cup for the first time in its history, there have been a range of opinions from religious scholars, with some coming out quite strongly against fasting exemptions. "It is not allowed for an Algerian player to avoiding fasting just for a game -- they must fast because God is with those who fast and young people can fast and play at the same time," said Mohammed Mekerkab, the head of Algerias association of religious scholars. He also dismissed the exemption for travel claimed by most athletes since the provision was only for voyages undertaken in the search for knowledge, health reasons or fighting jihad. Algerias government-appointed High Islamic Council, however, has come down in favour of those wanting to delay their fast. Sheikh Mohammed Sherif Kaher, the head of the councils commission for religious opinions said "those playing can abstain from fasting." Dr. Hakim Chalabi, a specialist in sports and fasting who accompanied the team to Brazil, admitted in an interview that it is a delicate question because of the need for hydration and the increased risk of injuries. He noted, though, that fasting wasnt always a total hindrance to players. "We are often asked to urge players not to fast, but oddly, in some cases, there are athletes that get better results during Ramadan because they are fasting and want to," he said. "It can be a spiritual and psychological aid." Steve Nash Jersey . There will be no Down Under four-peat for Djokovic, as the eighth-seeded Swiss slugger Wawrinka outlasted the second seed 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 9-7 at Melbourne Parks Rod Laver Arena in yet another five-set thriller in their burgeoning rivalry. Elie Okobo Jersey . Each day, TSN.ca provides the latest rumours, reports and speculation from around the NHL beat. Duck Calling With several marquee centres available via trade and expected to be available via free agency, the Anaheim Ducks could be primed to be big players in the coming days. https://www.thesunslockerroom.com/Aron-Baynes-City-Edition-Jersey/ . First, the Red Wings scored the tying goal after officials missed the puck hitting the protective netting, then the Kings wound up losing in a shootout. That could affect playoff positioning in the Eastern and Western Conferences, and thats a concern for everyone.Detroit, MI (SportsNetwork.com) - Jaroslav Halak stopped 17 shots while Anders Lee netted the winning score midway through the second period as the New York Islanders recorded a 2-1 win over Detroit at Joe Louis Arena. Brock Nelson picked up a goal and one assist for the Islanders, winners of three in a row who closed the gap over idle division-leading Pittsburgh to two points. Were fortunate in certain ways, Isles head coach Jack Capuano said. Some teams we struggle with. Obviously, theyre a good hockey club. Not saying that we have their number, but any time you play them, you know that you have to be at your best and have guys step up to the occasion. Henrik Zetterbergs first-period marker was all the offense for the Red Wings, whose season-high losing skid reached five games. Petr Mrazek took the loss, having given up the lead goal on 23 shots in relief of Jimmy Howard. Howard exited after the first period due to a lower-body injury having stopped eight shots. Mrazek gave up New Yorks go-ahead score to Lee just after the midway point of regulation but it wasnt without controversy. Nelson stripped Wings forward Riley Sheahan between the circles, faked out Mrazek and tucked a shot through his pads which rested inches from the goal line. Lee followed up and swatted the puck just over the line before Jonathan Ericsson swept it back into the crease. A brief replay confirmed the shot was good. Detroits Justin Abdelkader went off for tripping with 3:355 to play, and teammate Darren Helm had a partial short-handed breakaway foiled by the close checking of Isles blueliner Lubomir Visnovsky as his low shot just slid wide of the right post. Jevon Carter Jersey. Mrazek went to the bench for an extra skater for the final 68 seconds of regulation but the Wings failed to extend the contest. We had good, good chances but we never hit the net. Youve got to hit the net on some of them, said Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock. I thought it was a pretty high-level hockey game. I was impressed with their team, but I was impressed with lots of things we did, too. Zetterberg gave the hosts a lead less than nine minutes in thanks to a one- timer from distance. Nelson tied the game with just under three minutes left in the first period when his diving poke at a Visnovsky rebound slid through Howards pads and in. Game Notes New York set a new franchise record for consecutive wins in Detroit with five, having not lost there since Nov. 28, 2003 (6-0) ... The Islanders won four straight at the Olympia from March 3, 1977-Dec. 17, 1978 and from Jan. 23, 1980-Dec. 20, 1981 at JLA ... Prior to the game, the Islanders activated defensemen Johnny Boychuk and Travis Hamonic from injured reserve ... The Red Wings scratched forward Johan Franzen due to flu-like symptoms ... Zetterberg scored for the first time since Nov. 26 against the Flyers, snapping a 10-game drought. ' ' '