Soccer win marks end to 'black years' for Algerians

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Algerians' outpouring of joy at qualifying for the World Cup finals late on Wednesday was more than about football: for them the victory symbolises their country's emergence from almost two decades of conflict.

The last time Algeria reached the World Cup finals was in 1986, shortly before a wave of social unrest that ultimately led to fighting between Islamist rebels and government forces in which thousands of people were killed.

Nearly a quarter of a century later, the violence - known in Algeria as "the black years"- has declined, with now only occasional attacks by a rump of militants operating as the North African wing of al Qaeda.

Many in the crowds which poured into the streets of Algiers after Wednesday night's 1-0 qualification win over Egypt saw a link between events on the football pitch and Algeria's return to a degree of normality.

"I feel great, All those years that we had to live through, it's as if they have just evaporated," said one supporter, Yusef Ounanou, who was dancing in a road with a national flag wrapped around him.

There are practical ways in which Algeria's relative stability has helped its performance on the football field.

During the "black years", many of Algeria's matches had to be played in Annaba, about 500 km (300 miles) east of Algiers, because the capital was considered too dangerous.

Home games are now played near the capital and will soon return to a refurbished national stadium in Algiers.

Improved security may have influenced several players in the side with dual nationality to turn down the option of playing for France and choose Algeria instead.

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