World Cup 2014: Low 'irritated' by revenge talk

Germany coach Joachim Low says he is "irritated" by talk of revenge surrounding his team's meeting with Algeria in the last 16 on Monday.

West Germany's controversial victory over Austria 32 years ago allowed both teams to progress at Algeria's expense.

Coach Vahid Halilhodzic insists Algeria have not forgotten the furore around their controversial 1982 exit in Spain prompting talk of revenge.

"It is irritating when I read that this match is about vengeance," said Low.

Algeria competed at the World Cup finals for the first time in Spain in 1982, and caused an upset in their opening group game with a 2-1 win over West Germany - then the European champions.

They finished with two wins and a defeat from their three matches, which they completed before West Germany and Austria met in the final group game.

A 1-0 win for the Germans would take both sides through at the expense of Algeria, and that was how the match turned out.

Algerian officials launched a protest, claiming the match was fixed, but the allegations were never proved and the result stood.

However, as a result of the controversy, the final round of World Cup group fixtures now kick-off at the same time.

Fans in the stadium burned bank notes while TV commentators urged viewers to turn their televisions off as West Germany defeat Austria 1-0 in 1982.

"Most of the players on my team weren't even born (in 1982)," added Low.

"Why should Algeria want to punish us? It's incomprehensible for me. Our players don't know anything about that (West Germany) team back then.

"It's not an issue for us. Maybe some on the other side want to make an issue out of it to motivate Algeria."

A 1-1 draw against Russia on 26 June earned Algeria a place in the knockout stages for the first time.

Monday's second round game is being played in Porto Alegre.