In 1982 West Germany and Austria played out possibly the most fixed World Cup game ever. After Algeria had beaten West Germany 2-1 in the first group game, lost to Austria 2-0 and then beaten Chile 3-2 in their final group game, they were left second in the group - behind Austria - with four points. (Ah, those heady days of two points for a win and non-simultaneous final group games.) West Germany trailed in third place with two points, with their final group game against Austria due to be played the following day.
A West German win by 1 or 2 goals would qualify WG and Austria, while a German victory by a bigger margin would qualify Algeria over Austria, and a draw or an Austrian win would eliminate the Germans. (Try to keep up!)
West Germany duly attacked like hell for ten minutes, scored, and then both teams kicked the ball around for another 80 minutes in the most obviously fixed match ever seen (to this day!)
Algerian supporters waved banknotes at the players. The Spanish crowd hurled abuse, and one German fan was so distressed by the performance he burnt his German flag.
As a result of the game - actually as a result of the reaction to the game, you know what Blatter's like - FIFA changed their regulations so that the final group games are always played simultaneously.
Group B Final Games, 7.45pm Sunday 15th June:
- Poland v Croatia
- Austria v Germany
1 comment:
A sulutary hisory lesson for us all there, on balance reckon I'd like to see Austria go through.
Equally intriguing in my my book though are the options for Holland.
I reckon they should let Romania beat them and eliminate Italy and France at one fell swoop.
How hilarious would that be? What Van Basten should do is let the team go out with their usual mascots and then when they've done the toss up, swap shirts, withdraw the team and let the kids play!
Post a Comment