It's a great time to be an Algerian-Montrealer, now that the North African country has qualified for next spring's World Cup in South Africa.

In St. Michel, known as Montreal's Little Algeria, thousands of soccer fans, draped in red, white and green, flooded Jean-Talon street, which was closed to traffic for hours.

The Algerian side won the pivotal game against Egypt by a score of 1-0 on Wednesday. It's the country's first World Cup berth since 1986.

"It's a second independence," said one fan. "We are the winners."

Another fan recalled Algeria's bloody independence war against France as he enjoyed the atmosphere.

"A lot of people have died for this flag you see. So we're very proud to be Algerian."

Merchants join in

On Jean Talon between St. Michel and Pie IX, merchants opened up their businesses for Wednesday's evening's celebration as large stretch of the street was closed to traffic for hours.

Despite some illegal urban fireworks, authorities did not interfere and the police presence was minimal.

It was a peaceful night for celebration for a community with a recent history defined by struggle.