Why Algeria and Austria revive the "Game of Shame" from the 1982 World Cup

The duel between Algeria and Austria, this Saturday, in the final round of the World Cup group stage, has a historic coincidence. Forty-four years after the so-called "Game of Shame", the two teams face each other again in a scenario that, this time, could favor the Algerians.

In 1982, Algeria was eliminated after West Germany's 1-0 victory over Austria. The result classified the two Europeans and was marked by the lack of competitiveness after the German goal, generating protests and leading FIFA to adopt simultaneous games in the last round of the World Cups.

Now, the situation is different, but the irony remains. Austria and Algeria reach the decisive round with three points each in Group J. A draw takes both to four points. Austria would advance in second place based on goal difference, while Algeria, third placed, would be very well positioned to guarantee one of the places among the best third parties in the competition.

In addition to the classification, the result also influences the path in the knockout stage. The second-placed team will face Spain, leader of Group I, while the third-placed team will face another leader, a scenario that could prove to be more favorable depending on the definition of the other brackets.

The meeting takes us back to the Gijón episode in 1982. After West Germany opened the scoring in the 10th minute, the two teams practically stopped attacking. The exchange of passes without objectivity provoked boos, outrage from the fans and accusations of fixing the result. The repercussion was so negative that FIFA changed the regulations and started to hold all games in the last round of the group stage simultaneously.

More than four decades later, Algeria and Austria once again share the same field. This time, however, a draw could turn a bitter memory into an opportunity for the Africans.

Cristiano Ronaldo shines after criticism, and commentator reacts

Source: CNN