Austria and Algeria secured their places in the World Cup knockout stage after playing out a dramatic 3-3 draw on Saturday, a result that sent both teams through while ending Iran’s hopes of progression.
The Group J encounter produced a thrilling finish as both sides traded late goals in a match that had significant implications for qualification.
Austria appeared to be heading out of the tournament when Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez struck his second goal of the night deep into stoppage time to put the North Africans 3-2 ahead.
However, Austrian substitute Sasa Kalajdzic responded almost immediately, rising highest to head home a crucial equaliser and keep his country’s World Cup campaign alive.
Marko Arnautovic and Marcel Sabitzer were also on target for Austria, who finished second behind Argentina in the group.
The result sends them into a Round of 32 clash against European champions Spain on Thursday in Los Angeles.
Algeria, meanwhile, also advanced after finishing among the qualified third-placed teams. Rafik Belghali joined Mahrez on the scoresheet for Les Fennecs, who will now face Switzerland in the knockout round on Thursday in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The draw proved enough for both nations to progress, while Iran was eliminated. The Iranians would have reached the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams had either Austria or Algeria claimed victory.
