On a rainy day in Sydney\u2019s Surry Hills, a small crowd rushes into a small cafe draped in the green and white flag of Algeria, gathering around a TV with dreams of seeing their country make the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in 12 years.<\/p>\n
Greetings are exchanged in French as small plastic cups of tea are handed out. The smell of spices wafts through the cafe as flames burst from a pan in the kitchen.<\/p>\n
There is a nervous feeling in the air at Cafe Tanja because a loss would mean elimination for Algeria, who have been waiting for the chance to play Austria since the \u201cDisgrace of Gij\u00f3n\u201d, the 1982 World Cup match where West Germany settled for a 1-0 win over Austria at the expense of Algeria, who were knocked out on goal difference.<\/p>\n
Algeria fans gather around the TV at Cafe Tanja on Sunday. Photograph: James Gourley\/The Guardian<\/p>\n
Abdou, 25, sits down at the back of the cafe, which serves Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian food from north Africa. Originally from France, he ventured out to the World Cup in Los Angeles to watch Algeria beat Jordan, before arriving in Australia two days ago. He found Cafe Tanja through Instagram and wanted to be around his fellow countrymen to see the final group game.<\/p>\n
Next to Abdou in the corner is Billy, 38, who moved to Australia from Algeria more than 10 years ago. He has been watching Algeria since he was little and is no stranger to sacrificing sleep in order to see his team play.<\/p>\n
\u201cUsually I put the alarm on and watch the game early in the morning,\u201d Billy says. \u201cThis year we got lucky because we finally have good timing to watch all the games in Australia.\u201d<\/p>\n
The crowd erupts after an Algeria goal. Photograph: James Gourley\/The Guardian<\/p>\n
Billy says the cafe is \u201ca good place to eat\u201d and connect with his heritage. \u201cI love the homemade food. It reminds me of my culture and my adjoining heritage.\u201d<\/p>\n
As the first half starts, food starts pouring out of the kitchen: spicy sausages known as merguez with potatoes and sauce in baguettes are are handed out until there are groans from the crowd. Austria have scored an early first half goal.<\/p>\n
The kitchen in full swing at Cafe Tanja on Sunday. Photograph: James Gourley\/The Guardian<\/p>\n
Just before half-time, cheers can be heard coming from upstairs, to the confusion of those downstairs \u2013 the livestream is behind. After a minute, the goal is finally shown: the cafe jumps for joy and a chant of \u201cone, two, three, we love Algeria\u201d roars from both floors of the cafe.<\/p>\n
Lunch is served. Photograph: James Gourley\/The Guardian<\/p>\n
As everyone eats during the half-time break, more people begin to show up. The cafe is now close to capacity. In the second half, both sides score in quick succession and it is now 2-2; the game looks destined to go down to the wire.<\/p>\n
Excited fans during the tense match. Photograph: James Gourley\/The Guardian<\/p>\n
Then with two minutes to go in the game, Riyad Mahrez, Algeria\u2019s favourite son, scores. Pandemonium breaks out, chants are sung and stools turn into drums.<\/p>\n