Riyad Mahrez scored twice, including a 90th-minute equalizer, as Algeria fought back three times to draw 3-3 with Austria in a pulsating World Cup Group J encounter.
In a match that swung from end to end like a pendulum, Algeria and Austria served up a six-goal thriller that left both sides with a point but plenty of questions. Riyad Mahrez, the Algerian captain, produced a moment of magic deep into stoppage time to snatch a 3-3 draw, cancelling out Saša Kalajdžić's late header for Austria. The result keeps Group J wide open, with Austria sitting second on three points from two games and Algeria third with four points from three matches.
Summary
The game exploded into life early when Marko Arnautović, already booked in the 11th minute for a reckless challenge, opened the scoring for Austria in the 28th minute. David Alaba provided the assist, threading a pass through the Algerian defence. Arnautović's finish was clinical, but his earlier yellow card would prove costly as he walked a tightrope for the remainder of the match.
Algeria responded just before half-time. Rafik Belghali, making a nuisance of himself in the box, pounced on a loose ball to equalise in the 45th minute. The goal came against the run of play, but it gave the Desert Foxes a foothold they desperately needed. The first half ended 1-1, but the drama was only just beginning.
Key Moments
Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria's lead ten minutes after the restart, converting Konrad Laimer's cross with a composed finish. Algeria, however, refused to buckle. Riyad Mahrez produced a moment of brilliance in the 60th minute, curling a left-footed effort past the Austrian goalkeeper after a clever lay-off from Houssem Aouar. The assist was Aouar's first of two on the night.
As the clock ticked towards full time, it seemed Algeria had weathered the storm. But in the 90th minute, a scramble in the box saw the ball fall to Michael Gregoritsch, who teed up Saša Kalajdžić for a close-range header. The Austrian bench erupted, thinking they had won it. Yet there was still time for one more twist. Deep into stoppage time, Aouar again found Mahrez, who cut inside and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner. The stadium erupted as Algeria snatched a point from the jaws of defeat.
Match Analysis
The statistics paint a picture of Algerian dominance in possession. They enjoyed 65% of the ball and completed 754 passes with a staggering 94% accuracy. Austria, by contrast, were more direct, attempting only 396 passes but creating dangerous chances on the counter. The expected goals (xG) of 1.59 for Algeria and 1.18 for Austria suggest the draw was a fair reflection of the chances created.
Defensively, both sides had issues. Algeria's high line was exposed repeatedly, with Austria's offside trap catching them out three times. Yet the Algerian goalkeeper made zero saves, a curious statistic that indicates Austria's shots were either on target and unstoppable or off target entirely. Austria's goalkeeper, meanwhile, made two saves, one of which was crucial to keep his side in the game.
Player Performances
Riyad Mahrez was the standout performer, earning a rating of 9.3. His two goals, both from shots on target, were moments of individual brilliance. Houssem Aouar also shone, providing two assists and three key passes, while Nabil Bentaleb contributed with two key passes and four tackles and interceptions, earning a 7.3 rating.
For Austria, Marko Arnautović and Marcel Sabitzer both scored and were rated 7.3. Arnautović's early yellow card, however, limited his influence as he had to be cautious. Saša Kalajdžić's late goal was a testament to Austria's never-say-die attitude, but they will rue conceding so late.
Key Stats
- Possession: Algeria 65% – 35% Austria
- Total Shots: Algeria 12 – 9 Austria
- Shots on Target: Algeria 5 – 2 Austria
- Pass Accuracy: Algeria 94% – 87% Austria
- Fouls: Algeria 3 – 7 Austria
- Yellow Cards: Algeria 0 – 1 Austria (Marko Arnautović)
- Expected Goals: Algeria 1.59 – 1.18 Austria
What This Means
Algeria now sit third in Group J with four points from three games, a goal difference of -2. Austria, with one win and one loss from two matches, are second on three points. The group remains finely poised, with Argentina already qualified and Jordan still in contention. Algeria's resilience will give them confidence, but they need to tighten up defensively. Austria, meanwhile, will feel they let a win slip through their fingers.
What Happens Next
Algeria face a crucial final group game against an opponent yet to be determined, while Austria take on Argentina in a match that could decide their fate. Both teams will need to improve defensively if they are to progress. For now, the focus shifts to the Group J standings, where every point is precious.
