Algeria and Austria delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the World Cup group stage as both teams secured the result they needed to move into the knockout rounds, while Iran were left heartbroken.
The Group J clash in Kansas City ended 3 to 3 after a remarkable stoppage time twist. Austria had taken the lead twice, but Algeria fought back strongly and looked set to win when Riyad Mahrez scored his second goal of the match in the 93rd minute. At that point, Austria were heading out and Iran were set to qualify as one of the best third placed teams.
However, Austria found one final response. Substitute Sasa Kalajdzic, who had only just entered the pitch, headed in during the 96th minute to rescue a draw and send the Austrian players and fans into wild celebrations. The goal also created history, as Austria became the first team to avoid defeat in a World Cup match after going behind beyond the 90th minute.
For Iran, it was a painful ending. They finished unbeaten with three draws, but still failed to reach the last 32. Their frustration was made worse by the fact that they had a late goal ruled out by VAR in their 1 to 1 draw with Egypt.
There had been concern before kick off that the match could resemble the infamous 1982 meeting between West Germany and Austria, where both sides benefited from a result that eliminated Algeria. This time, though, there was no lack of effort or attacking ambition.
Austria went ahead through Marko Arnautovic after David Alaba’s clever pass, before Rafik Belghali equalised for Algeria before half time. Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria’s advantage after the break, only for Mahrez to level soon after following good work from Houssem Aouar.
Mahrez then seemed to have completed a famous comeback in added time, giving Algeria a 3 to 2 lead. But Kalajdzic’s late header changed everything again.
Austria now face Spain in Los Angeles, while Algeria, who advanced as the final third placed qualifier, will meet Switzerland in Vancouver.
