A 6-Goal Humdinger Between Algeria and Austria
The Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, witnessed arguably the best game of the Group Stage at the FIFA World Cup. The 6-goal humdinger between Algeria and Austria to decide the 2nd and 3rd place in Group J witnessed some great football from both teams.
Desert Foxes & Austria Share The Spoils
The Desert Foxes and Austria shared the spoils and progressed to the Round of 32, thus eliminating Iran. The Persians, unfortunately, would be travelling home, with their heads held high, without losing on American soil.
Austrians Draw First Blood
The Austrians scored first with Arnautovic managing to put the ball through Oussama Benbot in the Algerian goal, who had just an average outing.
The Algerians Respond in Kind
The Algerians responded with two super strikes from Belghali and Riyad Mahrez on either side of the break to make it 2-2, after Sabitzer had given Austria the lead in the 55th minute, post Belghali’s goal.
Riyad Mahrez Puts Algeria Ahead…
The match was hurtling towards a draw, but Riyad Mahrez, the Algerian war-horse, scored in stoppage time ( 90+3 ) to give Algeria the lead, with a sensational finish. The score read 3-2, and Iran had a foot in the Round of 32, with just a couple of minutes for Algeria to hold on.
… But Austria Equalise In The Dying Seconds
Austria, however, were grit personified and struck in the dying minutes of the game with a brilliant move. Kalajdzic scored with a pinpoint header to equalise. Benbot could not keep the ball out as the stadium erupted.
Iran Get Evicted While Algeria & Austria Advance
As the long whistle blew, both Austria and Algeria had made it to the next round, while Iran had been painfully evicted from the World Cup.
A Match of Incredible Proportions
An incredible match indeed, which not only witnessed some great goals but also lots of character and tremendous determination from both Algeria and Austria. Riyad Mahrez was exceptional and led the Desert Foxes brilliantly. It was a true humdinger of a contest.
Austria will now clash with Spain, while Algeria will face Switzerland in the next round.
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