Underdogs Algeria have the chance to settle a 32-year-old World Cup score and create a major Brazil 2014 upset by knocking out Germany in tonight’s last 16 clash.
The sides meet at Porto Alegre’s Estadio Beira-Rio, but the 1982 World Cup in Spain remains a sore point in Algeria, three decades after ‘the Shame of Gijon’.
Despite beating West Germany 2-1 in their group game, Algeria were eliminated after the Germans played out a mutually beneficial 1-0 win over Austria in Gijon.
Die Mannschaft coach Joachim Low has played down any talk of Algerian revenge being a factor in Porto Alegre.
“Why should players who weren’t even born then want revenge? I can’t understand that,” said Low.
But his opposite number Vahid Halilhodzic has said the team have “not forgotten” and spoken at length about the 1982 factor since reaching the knock-out stages.
The Fennec Foxes were surprise qualifiers to the knockout stages, edging Russia thanks to a 1-1 draw in their final Group G match.
In contrast, Germany boast one of the most star-studded squads in the tournament, containing the likes of Mesut Ozil, Toni Kroos and fourgoal Thomas Muller.
Despite the disparity, Low insisted there would be no over confidence from his staff or players.
“If anybody thinks or believes that Algeria are easy opponents and that we can already start thinking of the next round, then they’re making a huge mistake,” he warned.
“We must remain focused and on our toes because any complacency will be punished.
“I’ve rarely seen a team defend so vehemently, but still attack with purpose. Their whole country is euphoric, so we’re up against strong opponents.”
Low said that Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski will not feature tonight due to a muscular problem, but that he would be available for selection again “for our next game – should we get through”.
Defender Jerome Boateng was also treading lightly in training, but will be available for selection.
For Algeria, captain Madjid Bougherra should return to the starting XI at the expense of Essaid Belkalem having been rested in the last game to ensure that he didn’t pick up a suspension.
Meanwhile, Germany might be overwhelming favourites to beat Algeria but even if things go wrong coach Low has been assured that he will remain in charge.
The 54-year-old extended his contract prior to the World Cup until 2016 with no conditions attached.
“We still have the clear intention of carrying on with him,” said German Football Association (DFB) president Wolfgang Niersbach to Germany’s Stern magazine. “There are no clauses in his contract which state that it depends on certain results.”
LIKELY LINE-UPS
Germany (4-3-3)
Neuer; Boateng, Mertesacker, Hummels, Howedes; Schweinsteiger, Lahm, Kroos; Ozil, Muller, Gotze
Algeria (4-2-3-1)
M’Bolhi; Mandi, Halliche, Bougherra, Mesbah; Medjani, Bentaleb; Feghouli, Brahimi, Djabou; Slimani
PREDICTION
Germany should have far too much for their opponents. Expect Thomas Muller to help himself to a few more goals in a 3-0 win.
