What Happened as Austria and Algeria Played Out Dramatic Draw to Reach World Cup Last 32
Austria and Algeria both secured places in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage after producing one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament, with a thrilling 3-3 draw that knocked Iran out of the competition.
The result meant Austria finished second in Group J and booked a last-32 clash with Spain, while Algeria claimed one of the final qualifying spots among the best third-placed teams and will face Switzerland.
Austria looked set for elimination when captain Riyad Mahrez scored his second goal of the match in the 93rd minute to give Algeria a 3-2 lead in Kansas City.
At that moment, Iran, who had drawn all three of their group matches, were on course to progress to the knockout stage.
However, substitute Sasa Kalajdzic produced a dramatic late equaliser in the 96th minute, heading home just over a minute after coming off the bench to send Austria through and spark wild celebrations among their players and supporters.
The draw also saw Austria make history as the first team to avoid defeat in a World Cup match after falling behind beyond the 90-minute mark.
Despite the fact that both teams knew a draw would guarantee qualification, the match was played with great intensity and excitement from start to finish.
Austria took the lead in the first half through Marko Arnautovic, who controlled a long pass from David Alaba before finishing past goalkeeper Oussama Benbot.
Algeria responded before half-time when Rafik Belghali scored after reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area.
Austria regained the lead shortly after the break as Marcel Sabitzer fired home from a cut-back by Konrad Laimer.
But Algeria hit back again within five minutes when Mahrez converted a brilliant cross from Houssem Aouar.
As the match entered stoppage time, Mahrez appeared to have completed a famous comeback when he fired home from a tight angle in the 93rd minute to put Algeria 3-2 ahead and seemingly send Austria out.
However, Kalajdzic had the final say, heading home in the sixth minute of added time to rescue Austria and ensure both teams advanced.
The result was particularly painful for Iran, whose hopes had already suffered after a late winner was ruled out by VAR in their 1-1 draw against Egypt earlier on Saturday.
Austria will now face Spain in Los Angeles on Thursday, while Algeria travel to Vancouver to take on Switzerland on Friday in the last 32.
