4 important things from the dramatic ending between Austria and Algeria in Group J
June 28, 2026 · Global
Austria and Algeria drew 3-3 in a dramatic match in the group stages of the 2026 World Cup, with both teams progressing to the knockout stages.
In the most dramatic finish to the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, Austria and Algeria ended in a 3-3 draw at Kansas City Stadium on Saturday night. For most of the second half, Austria and Algeria appeared content with a 2-2 draw and seemed unwilling to take any further risks, knowing the result would be enough to see both teams through. However, in stoppage time, Algeria managed to take the lead thanks to a surprise high-quality strike into the Austrian box and a confident finish. Austria now faced elimination, with only around two minutes to score an equaliser. Against all odds, Austria managed to equalize through Sasa Kalajdzic, who scored less than a minute after coming on. Both Austria and Algeria are now through, but the journey is sure to be dramatic. Here are some of my thoughts on perhaps the most dramatic match of this group stage.
- Most Dramatic Ending Of The Tournament
Starting around the 70th minute, both teams seemed content to play for a draw, knowing that both would advance to the next round. Algeria passed the ball casually and showed no interest in attacking. The match felt boring, and the crowd whistled in dissatisfaction. However, in stoppage time, everything changed with two dramatic moments affecting three teams. Austria lost focus completely as Algeria looked to see the game out, content with a draw. But a gap opened up on the right, and left winger Houssem Aouar moved to the right, taking possession of the ball to increase the number of players on that side. He then sent a cross-footed pass through the defensive line to Riyad Mahrez for what appeared to be a dramatic winner. At that time, Algeria was in second place, Austria was in third place but was eliminated, and Iran would advance to the knockout rounds. Austrian coach Ralf Rangnick still had one substitution he could make with just seconds remaining. He called on the 2 meter tall striker, Sasa Kalajdzic, to come forward and look for a miracle. The miracle happened just a moment after he entered the field. A long ball was played into the box, and Michael Gregoritsch, who came on in the first half, headed back towards goal for Sasa Kalajdzic, who then headed it in for a dramatic equalizer with his first touch of the match. Now, after nearly being eliminated, Austria is back in the knockout stages, along with Algeria while Iran is eliminated. Of course, Austria still needs another miracle when facing Spain in the round of 32. However, facing Spain is much better than being eliminated, and Austria should play with more freedom and detachment in the remaining matches. After this dramatic ending, Rangnick and his team are now playing carefree.
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Algeria Shines Off the Wing
All Algeria's goals were scored through great individual efforts from both wings. This is usually a strength of this team, and tonight, it was evident in a significant way. Algeria equalized for the first time in the 45th minute when a long ball was played down the right. Austrian left-back, Phillipp Mwene, was shocked when the ball hit the corner post. He and the Algerian winger tried to control the ball from Riyad Mahrez, but the ball rolled to right-back Rafik Belghali, who then dodged two Austrian defenders to fire past Alexander Schlager. Algeria's second equalizer came as a result of explosive play down the left. Left winger Houssem Aouar controls the ball on the wing outside the box. He then rounded Austrian defender Stefan Posch with ease and sent a low pass across goal for 35-year-old captain Riyad Mahrez to finish. The third goal was also the result of excellent play from the wingers as Aouar moved from left to right and combined again with Mahrez for what at the time looked like the winning goal. Even outside of these goals, Algeria were able to be consistently dangerous on the wings throughout this match. Algeria coach, Vladimir Petkovic, managed to organize his team to play to their strengths well in this match. Expect this to be part of the team's game plan in the knockout rounds. -
Algerian Goalkeeper Problem
In Algeria's first two matches, goalkeeper Luca Zidane was not played. Against Argentina, he made a save but without needing to let the rebound go straight to Lionel Messi to score. Even though Algeria beat Jordan, Zidane conceded a goal from a shot he should have saved. Because of this, Petkovic made a change in goalkeeper for the match against Austria and decided to field Oussama Benbot. Benbot, 31, has spent his entire career with Algerian clubs and has only five caps with the national team. Benbot was out of form and made a mistake on Marko Arnautovic's opener when he didn't dare come out to catch a long ball into the box. Benbot should be able to take action but doesn't. Instead, Arnautovic was able to head the ball and beat Benbot near goal. For Algeria, this is a big problem ahead of the knockout stage as it is difficult to see this team having confidence in their goalkeeper, be it Zidane or Benbot. -
Experience of Austrian Veterans Stands Out
For Austria, the team got excellent performances from their senior players throughout the group phase. Tonight against Algeria, the veterans stepped up in a significant way. With the opening goal in the 28th minute, 34-year-old Real Madrid defender David Alaba sent a long ball into the box for the national team's all-time top scorer, 37-year-old Marko Arnautovic, who scored the 49th international goal of his career. On the second goal, 29-year-old Bayern Munich winger Konrad Laimer fed Marcel Sabitzer in the middle for a powerful finish. For Sabitzer, 32, the goal came one game after he reached 100 caps in the loss to Argentina. The dramatic late equalizer that saved the team's World Cup campaign was orchestrated by the 32-year-old Gregoritsch, who is serving his 77th cap. These players all have a lot of experience with this team and each other. Austria greatly benefited from that. Against Spain, the team will likely continue to rely on this experience.