Episode Summary
Hosts
Graham Dunn, Jamie Rooney
Scott Somenthal
Guest(s)
Release Date
13 April 2023
Duration
64 min
In this triple-header episode of By Far The Greatest Team, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by Scott Somenthal to explore three unforgettable World Cup stories — Brazil 1970, Algeria 1982, and Wales 1958 — each representing football’s power to inspire, unite, and outrage.
For Algeria, Spain 1982 was both a triumph and a tragedy. Making their World Cup debut, the North Africans arrived as unknowns but quickly became the tournament’s moral champions. Managed by Mahieddine Khalef and Rachid Mekhloufi, the Fennecs (Desert Foxes) combined tactical intelligence with expressive football rooted in technical brilliance and collective discipline.
In their opening match, Algeria stunned the world — defeating reigning European champions West Germany 2–1 through goals from Rabah Madjer and Lakhdar Belloumi. The result sent shockwaves across football. They went on to beat Chile 3–2, but a narrow defeat to Austria left them vulnerable. What followed, however, was one of football’s most infamous acts of collusion — The Disgrace of Gijón.
Knowing a 1–0 win for West Germany would send both them and Austria through, the two sides played out a farcical, passive match that betrayed the spirit of competition. Algeria, watching helplessly from their hotel, were eliminated on goal difference despite having earned more points than the Austrians.
The scandal changed football forever. FIFA was forced to rewrite its rules, mandating that final group matches be played simultaneously. Algeria 1982’s bravery, skill, and injustice became legend — the story of a team that conquered giants but fell victim to cynicism.
Takeaways
Algeria 1982 changed World Cup history on and off the field.
Their win over West Germany remains one of the sport’s greatest shocks.
The “Disgrace of Gijón” exposed moral failings at the highest level.
The team’s flair and courage earned worldwide admiration.
Algeria’s legacy endures as a lesson in integrity and pride.
Algeria 1982: Heroes of Honour and Injustice
Algeria’s 1982 World Cup campaign is one of football’s greatest tales of pride and betrayal — a story that began with brilliance and ended in outrage.
Making their World Cup debut, the Fennecs (Desert Foxes) arrived in Spain as unknowns. Within days, they changed the sport forever. Under the guidance of Mahieddine Khalef and Rachid Mekhloufi, Algeria played fearless, fluid football — a blend of discipline, creativity, and audacity.
Their opening game against reigning European champions West Germany became legend. Goals from Rabah Madjer and Lakhdar Belloumi sealed a stunning 2–1 victory, one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. A narrow loss to Austria and a thrilling 3–2 win over Chile left Algeria on the brink of qualification — until cynicism intervened.
On June 25, 1982, in Gijón, West Germany and Austria played out a calculated 1–0 result that guaranteed both teams’ progression and eliminated Algeria. The match — now infamous as The Disgrace of Gijón — was condemned globally as a betrayal of sporting integrity. The Algerian players, watching helplessly from their hotel, were devastated.
Their elimination changed football forever. FIFA, under immense pressure, introduced a new rule ensuring all final group matches were played simultaneously — a legacy of Algeria’s pain.
Yet despite the injustice, Algeria 1982 are remembered not for defeat but for courage. Their performances inspired a continent, proving that African teams could outplay and outthink Europe’s elite. The victory over West Germany remains one of the defining moments in football’s global evolution — when the world finally paid attention to Africa.
Algeria 1982 weren’t just victims of scandal; they were architects of reform, ambassadors of style, and symbols of honour in the face of corruption. Their legacy endures as one of the purest expressions of football’s spirit.
Main Topics
Iconic Moments
Algeria’s World Cup debut and preparation under Khalef and Mekhloufi
The historic 2–1 win over West Germany
The fluid attacking style and tactical discipline of the Desert Foxes
The Austria–West Germany collusion and global outrage
Lasting reforms in World Cup scheduling and legacy
The 2–1 victory over West Germany — one of the greatest upsets in history
Belloumi’s decisive winner and Madjer’s clinical opener
The 3–2 win over Chile that nearly sealed progression
The “Disgrace of Gijón” between West Germany and Austria
FIFA’s post-tournament rule change mandating simultaneous group matches
Notable Manager
Notable Players
Rabah Madjer, Lakhdar Belloumi, Salah Assad, Mustapha Dahleb, Djamel Zidane, Ali Fergani, Mokrane Bentahar, Mahmoud Guendouz, Chaabane Merzekane, Mehdi Cerbah, Reda Abdouche
Style of Play
4-3-3 Formation, Technical Passing, Quick Transitions, Fluid Attack, Mid-Block Discipline, Possession Control
Algeria 1982 were pioneers of African technical football — fast, intricate, and brave in possession. Their tactical framework blended European structure with North African flair, often resembling a 4-3-3 that shifted fluidly into 4-2-3-1 when defending.
Mahieddine Khalef’s philosophy was built on mobility and teamwork. The back line, marshalled by Mahmoud Guendouz and Merzekane, was disciplined yet adventurous, while Ali Fergani and Djamel Zidane provided midfield balance — mixing pressing with distribution. Out wide, Salah Assad and Lakhdar Belloumi embodied creativity, drifting into half-spaces to link with Rabah Madjer, whose composure and intelligence made him the team’s cutting edge.
Their game was characterised by quick interchanges, close control, and one-touch passing triangles. Algeria counter-attacked with purpose, exploiting transitions with pace and precision. Against West Germany, their combination play outsmarted one of Europe’s most tactically rigid teams.
Defensively, they pressed high early before settling into compact mid-blocks, frustrating opponents through work rate and anticipation. Their transitions were immediate — a hallmark of their confidence and rhythm.
In many ways, Algeria 1982 were ahead of their time — a prototype of the modern African team: organised, expressive, and fearless. Their legacy lies not only in their victories but in their style — the belief that artistry and tactical discipline could coexist on the world stage.
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