Austria and Algeria secured their places in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after playing out a dramatic 3-3 draw, with Sasa Kalajdzic’s stoppage-time equaliser rescuing Austria and ending Iran’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
In one of the tournament’s most dramatic group-stage matches, Riyad Mahrez scored twice for Algeria, but Kalajdzic’s 96th-minute header ensured both sides progressed from Group J.
Austria strike first before Algeria respond
The contest began at a frantic pace before Austria opened the scoring in the 28th minute. David Alaba’s superb pass released Marko Arnautovic, who controlled brilliantly before beating goalkeeper Oussama Benbot with a composed finish.
Algeria responded strongly and finally found the equaliser on the stroke of half-time. Rafik Belghali reacted quickest after the ball rebounded into the box, creating space before smashing an unstoppable effort into the roof of the net.
The 1-1 scoreline at the break kept both teams in contention for qualification.
Mahrez inspires another comeback
Austria regained the lead 10 minutes after the restart when Konrad Laimer cut the ball back for Marcel Sabitzer, who guided a first-time finish into the corner.
Algeria hit back almost immediately. Houssem Aouar produced an excellent run and cross from the left, allowing Riyad Mahrez to convert at the far post and level the match at 2-2 in the 60th minute.
Both teams continued to attack before the game appeared to settle during the closing stages.
Late drama changes everything
With stoppage time almost complete, Mahrez looked to have secured victory for Algeria in the 93rd minute. The veteran winger fired a powerful angled finish into the far corner to make it 3-2, a goal that would have sent Algeria through as Group J runners-up while eliminating Austria.
However, Austria refused to surrender.
Just 61 seconds after coming off the bench, substitute Sasa Kalajdzic rose highest to head home Michael Gregoritsch’s cross in the 96th minute, rescuing a priceless point and sparking wild celebrations among the Austrian players and supporters.
The dramatic equaliser also denied Iran a place among the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Knockout stage awaits
Austria finished second in Group J and will face Spain in the Round of 32.
Algeria also progressed after claiming one of the final best third-placed qualification spots and will take on Switzerland in the knockout stage.
The thrilling draw ensured both teams advanced, while Iran’s unbeaten World Cup campaign ended in heartbreak despite drawing all three of their group-stage matches.
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