Three months before the twelfth FIFA World Cup, Algeria squared off against Ghana in a dramatic African Cup of Nations semifinal in Benghazi. The match encapsulated Algeria’s tenacity and flair. Djamel Zidane’s equalizer and Salah Assad’s go-ahead goal showcased their attacking prowess, but Ghana’s Opoku Nti forced extra time with a late strike. George Alhassan sealed the game for Ghana, denying Algeria a spot in the final. Yet, Algeria’s performance was a harbinger of their growing stature on the international stage.
This was no ordinary team. Algeria’s journey to Spain in
1982 was more than a sporting quest; it was a continuation of a national
struggle, a statement of pride and identity forged in the crucible of
history.
A Team Forged in
Struggle
Algeria’s national team was born out of its fight for independence.
In 1958, as Algeria waged its liberation war against French colonial rule,
professional footballers of Algerian descent abandoned lucrative careers in
France to join the Front de Libération Nationale (FLN) team. This unofficial
squad became a travelling symbol of resistance, showcasing Algeria’s spirit to
the world.
When Algeria gained independence in 1962, the FLN team
formed the backbone of the new national side. By 1982, this legacy still shaped
the team’s ethos. Several former FLN players, including Abdelhamid Zouba and
co-manager Rachid Mekhloufi, were part of the coaching staff. “Those guys from
the FLN were like our second fathers,” said Lakhdar Belloumi. “They abandoned
fame and fortune to fight for their country, and we were carrying on that
fight.”
The players shared an unbreakable bond, forged by years of
playing together under a law that prohibited transfers abroad before the age of
28. This continuity and unity made them a formidable force, epitomized by stars
like Zidane, Rabah Madjer, and Belloumi, the reigning African Player of the
Year.
Mockery from the
Germans
Algeria entered the World Cup as underdogs, drawn into a
group with West Germany, Austria, and Chile. The Germans, reigning European
champions, were among the tournament favourites. Yet their confidence bordered
on arrogance.
“If we don’t beat Algeria, we’ll take the next train home,”
declared coach Jupp Derwall. Star player Paul Breitner joked about dedicating
their seventh goal to their wives and the eighth to their dogs. Another player
quipped about playing with a cigar in his mouth.
For Algeria, these remarks weren’t just insults; they were
an affront to their nation. “We weren’t too happy about some of the comments
coming from the German camp,” Belloumi said, calling the mocking a “slur on our
population.”
The Match That Shook
the World
On June 16, 1982, in the sweltering heat of Gijón’s Estadio
El Molinón, Algeria faced West Germany. The Germans dominated possession early,
testing Algerian goalkeeper Mehdi Cerbah repeatedly. But Algeria’s disciplined
defence and tactical awareness frustrated their opponents.
The second half saw Algeria shift gears, unleashing their
trademark fast, one-touch football. In the 54th minute, Rabah Madjer pounced on
a rebound from Belloumi’s saved shot to put Algeria ahead.
The Germans equalized through Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in the
67th minute, but Algeria responded immediately. From the kickoff, a
breathtaking 10-pass sequence culminated in Salah Assad’s low cross to Belloumi,
who slotted home with poise. The goal was a masterpiece of teamwork and
flair.
West Germany, stunned and disorganized, couldn’t recover.
When the final whistle blew, Algeria had achieved one of the greatest upsets in
World Cup history, winning 2-1.
The Disgrace of Gijón
Algeria’s victory reverberated globally, but their campaign
took a tragic turn. A 2-0 loss to Austria exposed their tactical
vulnerabilities, yet a 3-2 win over Chile kept their hopes alive. They stood on
the brink of becoming the first African team to advance beyond the group
stage.
The next day, however, Germany and Austria conspired to
eliminate Algeria in what became known as the “Disgrace of Gijón.” Germany’s
Horst Hrubesch scored early, and the two teams effectively stopped playing. For
80 minutes, they passed the ball aimlessly, ensuring a result that sent both
European teams through.
The spectacle outraged fans and commentators alike. Spanish
spectators waved white handkerchiefs in disdain, and German broadcaster
Eberhard Stanjek lamented, “What is happening here is disgraceful and has nothing
to do with football.”
FIFA faced immense pressure to act but chose only to mandate
simultaneous final group matches in future tournaments. For Algeria, the damage
was done. “To see two big powers debasing themselves to eliminate us was a
tribute to Algeria,” said Merzekane.
A Legacy of Pride
Despite their elimination, Algeria’s 1982 campaign left an
indelible mark on football. They had outplayed the European champions, forced a
rule change, and inspired generations. “We weren’t angry,” said Merzekane. “We
went out with our heads held high.”
Thirty-two years later, Algeria would face Germany again at
the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Though they lost in extra time, their performance
rekindled memories of 1982, a reminder of the summer when a team from North
Africa redefined what was possible.
Algeria’s journey in 1982 wasn’t just about football; it was a testament to resilience, unity, and the enduring power of sport to challenge the status quo. In the annals of the World Cup, their story stands as a triumph of dignity over cynicism, a victory that transcends the scoreboard.
Faisal Caesar
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