The history between Germany and Austria goes way long ago, around 32 years back. The phrase "Disgrace of Gijón" happened during the 1982 FIFA World Cup wherein Germany was faced against Algeria on a match for the second rounds. During the said match, Germany won over Algeria on a 1-0 win leaving the latter from moving forward to the next round. According to Algerian Coach Vahid Halilhodzic "We haven't forgotten." He added "We talk all the time about this match in 1982. History repeats itself 32 years later."
Because of this, Germany coach Joachim Loew thinks that the "Disgrace of Gijón" happened a long time ago for Algeria to seek out revenge on them. According to the German coach that among his team; only two were born during those times and that he questions "Why should players who weren't even born then want revenge?"
Among the players who were born at that time were reserve goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller and veteran striker Miroslav Klose and adds that he saw no reason for Algeria to take revenge on their team.
According to him "Why should they be seeking to punish this generation of Germany players? I am irritated by the use of word 'revenge." He then added "But maybe this will work as motivation for Algeria."
Loew does not believe that Algeria is here to take revenge on them but he is not under estimating the team saying "Algeria is an extremely aggressive team that runs a lot and is incredibly dangerous." He also said "Any lapse now and you are out. Algeria is an extremely aggressive team that runs a lot and is incredibly dangerous. They defend very resolutely."
He acknowledges the fact that his team still needs improvement saying "We should convert more opportunities. We are missing that last pass when we attack. There are always things you can improve - but for us, it's the details, not the fundamentals. A World Cup tournament is like a marathon run, not a 100-meter sprint, you have to be able to step it up at the right moment."
He believes that their confidence and their resilience to win the game will help the teams mental state "We know the team can do better but we are confident, we are on fire. When you play a game you have to win, the tension is high."
