By Sports Reporter/Doha

Algerian Rabah Madjer is widely regarded as one of the best Arab footballers to have played at the FIFA World Cup, where he left a clear mark with the Algerian golden generation in the 1982 tournament. During that tournament Madjer scored the winning goal for Algeria against West Germany in the match that ended 2-1, in one of the biggest surprises to be witnessed over the course of the tournament’s history.

In an interview, Madjer, who also played at the 1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico, recalled many of his long career milestones, one of which is his experience as a professional player in Europe where he led his team FC Porto to victory against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final in 1987.

Excerpts:

Can you tell us more about the Champions League final against Bayern Munich and your audacious back-heeled equaliser during that match?

It was one of the most beautiful moments of my career. We were playing against Bayern Munich which was armed with stars, the first half ended with the German team taking the lead with Ludwig Kögl’s goal. During the second half we gave it all we had and managed to score two goals. I scored the winning goal then, with a back-heel that earned me the title of the “Golden Heel” which I am proud of, especially since I didn’t score that goal into an ordinary goalkeeper’s net, but into the giant Belgian goalkeeper Jean-Marie Pfaff’s net.

 

Algeria are the only Arab team playing in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil. What do you think their chances are?

It saddens me to see only one Arab team in the World Cup finals in Brazil. Speaking of the chances of my country team, I think they have a good chance to qualify to the 2nd round, especially since the history of the World Cup has taught us that there are no guarantees and everything is possible. But I warn them of the dangerous Belgian team which could be the dark horse of this tournament.

 

What does hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar mean to you?

That’s the least that should be done to repay the Arab football, but I keep asking myself what is the reason behind this European and Britain media campaign against Qatar, they are attacking all the positive things in Qatar. Despite that I feel happy and confident because Qatar has all the potential and talent needed to organise a unique World Cup tournament, regardless of all the attempts to destroy the Qatari dream before it comes to life. I think they are targeting Qatar because they know that it is capable of delivering a successful World Cup, and they don’t want to see an Arab or Muslim country hosting such an event, because of the racism and hatred they hold against Arabs and Muslims, which we were a victim of during the 1982 World Cup.

 

What is your favourite team?

I like fair play, and I am a fan of Barcelona and Manchester United.