All Time World Cup!
Matthaus 9, Rummenigge 15
BUENOS AIRES – River Plate
Germany against Austria in the final group match brought back unhappy memories for Algerian fans, whose fine team was denied a second round place in 1982 when the two European sides contrived to concoct the perfect scoreline to take them both through.
It was a match which shamed that World Cup, but if Austria hoped for a similar compromise this time, their larger neighbours were in no mood to be so accommodating. As early as the 9th minute, Lothar Matthaus strode forward through midfield, played a one-two with Paul Breitner and lashed an unstoppable drive past Koncilla.
Just six minutes later, Rummenigge stabbed home a loose ball following a corner from Schuster. After that, Germany did not exactly press forward for more goals, but were always a threat on the break. Ocwirk, Sindelar and Krankl all worked hard to get Austria back in the game, but whenever they threatened, the Germans always looked like they had an extra gear to go to if the needed it.
Austria’s faltering belief was ended with ten minutes to go when Binder was denied an apparently clear penalty. Kohler tripped him as he burst into the box, but the referee decided it was outside the area.
The free kick came to nothing, and the Austrians knew their only hope was that Hungary would slip up against Mexico.
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