Austria escape elimination with 93rd-minute drama, Iran left stunned

Austria’s players erupted after a 3-3 draw in the final seconds of their World Cup clash with Algeria. The result sent Austria through to the knockout stage on goals scored, while Iran were eliminated despite initially looking set to progress. Algeria took the lead in the 28th minute through Marko Arnautović, a former FC Twente player. Rafik Belghali equalised for Algeria on the stroke of half-time with a hard shot. Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria’s lead ten minutes after the break. Riyad Mahrez levelled again for Algeria within the hour. The drama escalated in the final minutes. Mahrez put Algeria ahead for the first time in the 93rd minute, only for Saša Kalajdžić to force a 3-3 draw in the last seconds and secure Austria’s progression. Algeria’s draw was enough to advance as one of the best third-placed teams. Austria will face Spain in the next round, while Algeria must play Switzerland.

Stoppage-time drama sends Austria and Algeria into World Cup knockouts

Iran’s fate was sealed in the dying moments. At the moment Algeria led 3-2, Iran were virtually through as one of the best third-placed teams. The 3-3 draw between Austria and Algeria changed everything: Austria finished second in their group, Algeria third on goal difference, and Iran were eliminated. Austria’s coach Ralf Rangnick started Marko Arnautović in the starting line-up. Vladimir Petković, Algeria’s head coach, left Feyenoord pair Anis Hadj Moussa and Ramiz Zerrouki on the bench. Paul Wanner of PSV was an unused substitute for Austria. Algeria’s squad included players from the Dutch top flight, with Hadj Moussa and Zerrouki both based at Feyenoord.

Austria and Algeria clinch knockout spots as Group J drama erupts

The final group standings hinged on the last seconds. Austria’s equaliser ensured they leapfrogged Iran on goals scored, while Algeria’s point left them just above the cut-off line. The result reshuffled the knockout-stage pairings. Austria now face Spain, a team that topped their own group, while Algeria will face Switzerland, who finished second in another group. For Iran, the tournament ended in disappointment. Their virtual qualification was overturned by the 3-3 draw, leaving them on the outside looking in despite having met the required threshold at one stage.