The jubilation in the Fennecs’ locker room on Tuesday, following their qualification for the 2014 World Cup, mirrored the joyous scenes observed in the streets of Blida, Algiers, and other major cities across Algeria. The national team secured their spot in Brazil with a 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso in the second leg of the play-offs.
Majid Bougherra became the hero of the moment by scoring the decisive goal after returning from halftime, resulting in a 3-3 aggregate score over the two matches. The locker room atmosphere after the match turned into sheer madness. Players playfully “kidnapped” the coach, Vahid Halilhodzic, and compelled him to sing the Fennecs’ anthem.
In the midst of jostling and celebratory chaos, Halilhodzic, overwhelmed with happiness, finally joined in singing the famous “One, Two, Three Viva l’Algérie,” a chant echoed enthusiastically by all his players. The exuberant celebration reflected the immense pride and joy that the team and the nation felt in achieving their World Cup qualification.
