Austria, Algeria set for World Cup's ultimate revenge match

After two rounds of Group J matches, Argentina have already secured top spot with six points. The only question now is whether Austria or Algeria will finish second — and whether they even want to. According to the tournament bracket, the runners-up of this group will face Spain in the last 32, while finishing third would mean a match against Group B winners Switzerland.

For Austria, the dilemma is not new. At the 1982 World Cup in Spain, Austria deliberately lost 1-0 to West Germany in the final group match at El Molinón in Gijón — a result that sent both teams through while eliminating Algeria. The incident, known worldwide as the 'Disgrace of Gijón', prompted FIFA to change the rules so final group matches would be played simultaneously.

Algeria had started that tournament brilliantly, defeating 1974 champions West Germany 2-1 in their opener. They lost 2-0 to Austria in their second match but remained well-positioned. Going into the final round, Algeria had two points. Austria led with four points, while West Germany also had two points but were second on goal difference.

Algeria beat Chile 3-2 in their final match, level on four points with Austria. The two goals conceded proved crucial. The equation meant that if West Germany beat Austria by one or two goals, both teams would advance, eliminating Algeria. After Horst Rubesch put West Germany 1-0 up in the 11th minute, both teams stopped attacking, simply passing the ball to waste time. Angry fans threw banknotes at the players, commentators fell silent, and the match report was printed in the 'crime' section of a Spanish newspaper.

Now, 44 years later, Austria and Algeria meet again in the final group match, and the circumstances appear perfectly set for history to repeat itself. Neither team seems eager to win, as a draw would benefit both, avoiding Spain in the next round. Austria, ahead on goal difference, need only a draw to finish second. Algeria would remain third — the perfect opportunity for Algeria to exact revenge for the 'Disgrace of Gijón'.

However, Austria coach Ralf Rangnick has dismissed suggestions they would avoid a win. Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic also insisted his team is focused on winning, not avoiding Spain.

Possible lineups
Algeria: L. Zidane; R. Belghali, A. Mandi, R. Bensebaini, R. Aït-Nouri; H. Boudaoui, R. Zerrouki, I. Maza; R. Mahrez, A. Gouiri, F. Chaibi.

Austria: A. Schlager; S. Posch, K. Danso, D. Alaba, K. Laimer; N. Seiwald, X. Schlager, R. Schmid; P. Wanner, M. Sabitzer, M. Gregoritsch.