Austria vs Germany
Penny for the thoughts of any Algerian football fans ahead of this international friendly in the Ernst Happel Stadion in Vienna.
For, please excuse the history lesson, it makes me think of one game and one game only; a contest when the cynicism of both nations provoked universal scorn.
In Germany, the match is known as Nichtangriffspakt von Gijón (“Non-aggression pact of Gijón”) but what happened at the World Cup some 40 years ago was more widely described as the ‘Disgrace of Gijon’.
On that occasion Algeria would have become the first African team to reach the second round unless a final group stage game ended in a one-or two-goal win for West Germany over Austria, in which case both the European teams would progress at Algeria’s expense.
In the 10th minute of that match Horst Hrubesch put the Germans in front. Then … nothing happened.
Realising the scoreline suited both of them, Germany and Austria effectively stopped playing. In the ensuing 80 minutes there were no shots, and barely any tackles, crosses or sprints. The game was no longer a contest, it was a conspiracy.
I think we can safely assume that, while the stakes are not as high this time around, there will be international friendly highlights.
Talking Points
Austria, led by Real Madrid man David Alaba, go into the contest in high spirits after rounding off their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a 2-0 success in Estonia when Konrad Laimer and Philipp Lienhart scored first half goals to earn victory.
They have already qualified for next summer’s tournament which will be hosted by Germany who have a point to prove.
The four-times world champions, Die Mannschaft, bowed out of the World Cup for the second time in a row at the group stage last December.
And, in truth, matters have not improved too much since then.
Julian Nagelsmann has since been appointed new head coach with the former Bayern Munich boss succeeding Hansi Flick as they look to undo poor recent form ahead of Euro 2024.
Since the start of the tournament in Qatar, the 2014 world champions have won just four of the 12 matches they have played, including five defeats.
Despite defeating France 2-1 in a friendly, they had previously gone down to three straight reverses, including a 4-1 hammering by Japan, a 2-0 loss to Colombia and a 1-0 defeat by Poland.
It was the former which led to the departure of Flick who, like his successor, had good credentials,
In anticipation of the tournament on home soil, Nagelsmann says he is hoping to make his side a ‘close-knit group’ by next year.
Just like their recent contests with the US and Mexico (one win and one draw), this could act as a barometer.
History
The Germans have been stunned by their near neighbours before now.
Most recently last time out in a 2018 friendly in Klagenfurt when Mesut Ozil’s early goal was overturned by Martin Hinteregger and Alessandro Schöpf
that ended a run of nine straight defeats by the Germans.
One of those matches was in the group stages at Euro 2008 when a goal from then-German captain Michael Ballack defeated the tournament co-hosts. Germany went all the way to the final where they were beaten 1-0 by Spain.
Their other meetings in tournaments have also proven memorable but for healthier reasons than Gijon.
The 1978 clash was dubbed as the ‘Miracle of Córdoba’ or, by the losing Germans, as Die Schmach von Córdoba (The Disgrace of Cordoba).
It is certainly fondly remembered by Austrians for being the first time in 47 years that their nation had defeated Germany.
Hans Krankl’s double, plus an own goal from future German manager Berti Vogts, won the group encounter 3-2 in the 1978 World Cup
In 1954, a World Cup semi-final went the way of Germany in emphatic fashion as they ran out 6-1 semi-final winners with Hans Schafer, Max Morlock, Fritz Walter (two penalties) and Ottmar Walter (two) the scorers.
Germany pipped Austria to third place at the 1934 World Cup in Naples when a five-goal thriller went their way with goals from Ernst Lehner (two) and Edmund Conen.
Johann ‘Hans’ Horvath and Karl Sesta replied for the Austrians.
Overall, the Germans have 25 successes with eight Austria wins and six draws.
Betting Tip
The SBOTOP international friendly betting odds are, unsurprisingly, in favour of the Germans.
They can be backed 1X2 @ 1.69 and Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 1.94.
Austria are available to tip 1X2 @ 3.60 and Asian Handicap +0.75 @ 1.88.
The draw is on offer @ 3.65, while another 2-1 Austrian victory will pay out @ 14.50 with Correct Score.
With the pressure off, perhaps there can be goals in this friendly so how about Total Goals 0-1 @ 3.90, 2-3 @ 1.85, 4-6 @ 2.73 and Over 2.75 @ 1.78.
I am going to opt for honours even and 1X2 Draw @ 3.60 as my ** prediction.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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