32 years on from World Cup controversy, Algeria coach says history beckons

CURITIBA, Brazil – Now that Algeria has won its first match at the World Cup since 1982, coach Vahid Halilhodzic has called on his team to help the country turn the page on one of the most controversial episodes in the tournament's history.

Recalling the way West Germany and Austria played out a group game to deny Algeria a second-round berth at the 1982 World Cup, Halilhodzic said there "are moments that can become history" — and that Thursday's Group H encounter against Russia was one such moment.

Halilhodzic also said Wednesday that it was "normal" to think he would put out the same team after its convincing 4-2 victory against South Korea.

Beating Russia would put Algeria into the second round for the first time. A draw may be enough too.