Riyad Mahrez is closing in on a slice of history after his brace in Algeria’s 6-1 demolition of Niger in World Cup qualification.
On Friday, the Manchester City winger celebrated his inclusion on the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist by extending his recent hot streak to nine goals in his past 10 outings for the Desert Foxes.
Mahrez’s form has inspired an incredible unbeaten run from Algeria, which now stands at 30 games.
Niger face the unenviable task of hosting Mahrez and his colleagues in a return game on Tuesday and, if they remain on course, Algeria could set a new record for the longest unbeaten run in international football at next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Here, we look at some of the great sides that lie in the way of Mahrez and a piece of sporting history.
Argentina 1991-1993 (31 games)
Algeria’ 30-match run puts them level with France (1994-96) and Italy (1935-39), with a celebrated Argentina side next in their sights.
The Albiceleste bounced back emphatically from losing the 1990 World Cup final to West Germany by stringing together 31 games without defeat - a streak that included winning the 1991 and 1993 Copas America, with the prolific Gabriel Batistuta to the fore
Argentina compiled the vast majority of their unbeaten run without talisman Diego Maradona, who announced his international retirement after the 1990 World Cup and then served a drugs ban. Maradona did return for a friendly meeting with reigning European champions Denmark in 1993, however.
Spain 2007-2009 (35 games)
This streak amounts to a huge stack of building blocks for a period of domination arguably unmatched in the international game, while also taking in City great David Silva’s breakout appearances for his country.
Three years before he played a key role in ending City’s 35-year trophy drought in the 2011 FA Cup final, Silva helped Spain to glory at Euro 2008 — La Roja’s first major title since being crowned European champions in 1964.
Luis Aragones made way for Vicente del Bosque as head coach at the end of that tournament but Spain’s momentum remained irresistible as they added the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 to their collection.
Brazil 1993-1996 (36 games)
Another run that takes in major honours, something that perhaps bodes very well for Mahrez and Algeria at AFCON 2022.
Brazil ended a 24-year wait for a fourth world title as the likes of Romario and Bebeto captured hearts and minds at USA 94. Well, at least until a frankly dreadful final when the Selecao needed penalties to beat Italy after 120 goalless minutes.
They were unable to add the Copa America during this impressive period, falling at the final hurdle against Uruguay in the same manner.
Italy 2018-2022 (37 games)
Still a hero to City fans, Roberto Mancini plotted an incredible recovery for his country — dragging Italy from the ignominy of failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup to glory at Euro 2020.
In the meantime, they stopped losing matches altogether, with City quartet Kyle Walker, John Stones, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden left heartbroken after the Azzurri prevailed on spot kicks in the European Championship final at Wembley in July.
Ferran Torres’ brace halting Italy’s march in Milan last week probably went down very well indeed with a section of his Etihad Stadium team-mates, while also giving Mahrez and Algeria a clear target.
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