FIFA’s hopes of ensuring fairness at the World Cup could be torn to shreds by the weather. The drama is about to ramp up in North America as the final round of group games begins on Wednesday.
To ensure fairness, the final two matches in each group will kick off simultaneously, meaning many managers will be keeping an eye on proceedings in the other game. That rule was brought in after the 1982 World Cup, when West Germany and Austria contrived to produce a scoreline that sent both sides through, while Algeria, who had already played, were sent packing. However, the hope that each group will conclude at the same time could be wrecked by extreme weather, which has already made its mark at the tournament.
France’s 3-0 victory over Iraq on Wednesday was delayed by two hours due to heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning in the Philadelphia area. In the US, if lightning is detected within eight miles of a stadium, the game must be stopped, with FIFA having no say on the matter.
Therefore, a match that started at 5pm local time didn’t finish until shortly be 9pm. If such a situation is repeated in one of the group finales, they could return to the pitch well after the other game has finished, knowing exactly what they need to do to progress.
In theory, there could be a repeat of the so-called ‘Disgrace of Gijon’ involving West Germany and Austria. Algeria had shocked the world in their opening match by defeating West Germany 2-1.
By the time West Germany and Austria kicked off, Algeria had already played their final match, defeating Chile 3-2. Therefore, West Germany and Austria knew exactly what they needed to do to advance.
A West German win by one or two goals would see both them and Austria advance on goal difference. If West Germany won by three or more goals, Austria would be eliminated, and Algeria would advance. If Austria won or drew, West Germany would be eliminated and Algeria would go through.
The game began with intense German pressure, with Horst Hrubesch giving them a 10th-minute lead. But once the scoreline hit the sweet spot that guaranteed safety for both European nations, an unspoken “non-aggression pact” took over.
For the remaining 80 minutes, the match degenerated into a painfully dull spectacle, with players endlessly passing sideways and backwards in their own halves, walking around the pitch and barely tackling or launching meaningful attacks.
The farcical encounter prompted an outcry and a change in the rules. However, it could be repeated 44 years later if the weather intervenes.