'Defeatism' and
Not the U.S., Defeated Algeria at World Cup
"Whether
playing against Slovenia, England or the USA, we can always claim the status of
outsider. Thus, defeat is 'natural,' to tie is 'honorable,' and meanwhile,
victory is a 'feat' that we can dream of … but only with moderation, without
really believing in it. That has a name: defeatism."
Politics and sport: Algerians are very proud of their national team, in part for the political statements its victories represent. At the 2010 World Cup, eliminating England and America was seen as a way of standing up for Palestinians in Gaza.
“It will be
remembered - the Americans suffered for 90 minutes.” This short sentence, spoken
with unrestrained pride after the Greens’ final match at the 2010 World Cup yesterday,
was uttered by an ENTV
reporter known for his theatrical, high-decibel quotes throughout the tournament.
True, he had to conform with what it means to be a “party-line” reporter: “Be
positive” under all circumstances. But was it necessary to play the role of shrink,
providing psychological relief to disappointed fans; and then to celebrate
"American suffering" with such indecency, at the moment all of
Algeria's hopes had collapsed?
Posted
by WORLDMEETS.US
For in this case, the
circumstances weren't particularly promising. The Algerian team had lost a
match it needed to win to move to the second round. In particular, it was
leaving the competition with a record worse than that of 1986: one tiny point,
two defeats, one tie, two red cards, zero goals and … one female reporter punched
in the face by RafikSaifi.
It's true that hope was
scarce at the start of the match against the Americans - the Fennecs (nickname
of team Algeria) were already in trouble after their defeat by Slovenia. It's
not disastrous to see the friends of Yebda
leave South Africa so soon. That's a scenario we are experiencing for the third
time. One, Two, Three … that’s the way to say it. In 1982, we didn't last
longer in Spain, and in 1986, we lasted even shorter in Mexico, where “elevation
and humidity” didn't prevent us from scoring a goal.
[Editor's Note: "One,
Two, Three, Viva Algeria" is the slogan of fans of the Algerian team - the
Greens. This slogan is popular because of the rhyme made possible by the
three-word phrase and, this year, because it was the third time Algeria
participated in the World Cup.]
There is a very shocking Algerian
mania that always leads to great disappointment, which consists of being
satisfied with almost nothing just to give ourselves the appearance of being among
the top ranks. Faced with the Greens, the Americans at first suffered before pulling
out their qualification, so it's One, Two, Three …
The glorifying words of the “party-line”
reporter did have the benefit of rejecting a certain national mood which, as we
saw throughout the tournament, doesn't exclude the coach of the Greens: Whether
playing against Slovenia, England or the USA, we can always claim the status of
outsider. Thus, defeat is "natural," to tie is “honorable,” and meanwhile,
victory is a “feat” that we can dream of … but only with moderation, without
really believing in it. That has a name: defeatism. And that's what takes the
place of philosophy and tactics. Which is why under Coach RabahSaadane, a bold offensive was so terribly lacking at
this World Cup. Let’s repeat it three times, by being faithful to the Algeria's
slogan fetish: One, Two, Three ....
