⏳ World Cup throwback: the disgraceful match that knocked Algeria out | OneFootball

Every four years, the hierarchy of world football is shaken up. Fallen favorites, inspired underdogs, moments of genius, flashes of temper: the World Cup always brings its share of surprises. This series looks back at those scenarios that defied all predictions.

On June 25, 1982, Gijón was the scene of a match that became infamous between West Germany and Austria.

In a group featuring Algeria, Austria, and Chile, West Germany came in as overwhelming favorites. But to everyone’s surprise, they stumbled straight away against Algeria (1-2), while Austria beat Chile (0-1).

Algeria’s victory was historic, as it was the first time an African team had defeated a European nation at a World Cup.

In their second match, West Germany bounced back and comfortably beat Chile (4-1), while Algeria lost to Austria (0-2).

What followed was a situation that would be unthinkable today. To satisfy broadcasters at the time, the final group matches were played a day apart.

Algeria got things started with a hard-fought win over Chile (3-2). To qualify, the Desert Foxes therefore needed either a West Germany win by at least three goals, an Austria win, or a draw. A West Germany win by one or two goals would eliminate Algeria.

Then came the much-anticipated match between West Germany and Austria. It began with a German goal in the 11th minute and then... nothing. Both teams stopped playing, settling for harmless passes for the rest of the match, with the 1-0 scoreline sending both teams through.

Faced with this disgraceful spectacle, supporters of both teams whistled, and the crowd chanted “Algéria, Algéria” and “Dégagez, Dégagez.” Journalists in the stadium blasted the attitude of both teams, with the Austrian commentator even recommending that viewers turn off their televisions.

Even crazier, the German commentator said: "You can’t call this football. It has nothing to do with a World Cup match. You can say what you want, but the end does not justify such means [...] You will now allow me to stop commenting on what we are seeing on the pitch, because what these two teams are offering us is a shameful moment." And he kept his promise, not saying another word until the final whistle.

The match inevitably ended in a West Germany win (1-0), eliminating Algeria after a parody of football. Since then, to limit this kind of scenario, the final World Cup group matches have been played at the same time.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

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