Austria and Algeria booked their places in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after producing an entertaining 3-3 draw at Kansas City Stadium.
Sasa Kalajdzic’s dramatic stoppage-time equaliser ensured Austria finished second in Group J, while Algeria also advanced after ranking among the competition’s best third-placed teams.
The result marked Austria’s first appearance in the knockout rounds since the 1982 World Cup. They will now face Spain in Los Angeles on 3 July, while Algeria’s reward is a last-32 meeting with Switzerland in Vancouver after reaching the knockout stage for only the second time in their history.
Austria took control in the 28th minute when Marko Arnautovic latched onto a long ball before confidently sliding his finish beneath goalkeeper Oussama Benbot.
Algeria refused to back down and almost equalised through Fares Chaibi, whose effort rattled the woodwork.
Moments later, Riyad Mahrez reacted quickly to a loose ball near the corner flag and picked out Rafik Belghali, who skilfully beat several defenders before calmly slotting home.
Austria restored their advantage soon after the restart as Marcel Sabitzer powered Nicolas Seiwald’s precise cut-back into the net with a first-time strike from outside the area.
The lead proved short-lived, with Algeria responding almost immediately.
Houssem Aouar burst forward down the left wing before delivering a cross that captain Riyad Mahrez finished from close range to make it 2-2.
The closing stages remained tense as both teams searched for a decisive goal.
Mahrez appeared to have won the contest for Algeria by finding the net in stoppage time.
Austria, however, mounted one final attack. Substitute Sasa Kalajdzic forced the ball over the line moments later, rescuing a dramatic draw and guaranteeing his country’s progression to the Round of 32 as Group J runners-up.
To read more such news, download Bharat Express news apps
