Mahrez Double Shatters Austria as Algeria Claw Back in Six-Goal Thriller

A 90th-Minute Equalizer Made It Mean Nothing — and Everything

Riyad Mahrez wrote a dramatic final chapter, then watched Austria tear it out. In a Group J finale that swung on every kick, Mahrez curled home his second goal of the night in the 90th minute to seemingly put Algeria through — only for Saša Kalajdžić to equalise seconds later and send both sides into a frantic wait on goal difference. When the dust settled, Austria edge Algeria on goal difference by the thinnest of margins, and neither side knew their World Cup fate until the final whistle elsewhere.

Key Moment

The game's emotional peak came in a breathless closing ten minutes. Algeria, trailing and needing a win, found Mahrez in space at the edge of the box on the hour mark to level at 2-2. The veteran winger, who had already set up Algeria's fightback with a deft finish at 60 minutes, then conjured the apparent match-winner deep into stoppage time. But Austria refused to fold. Kalajdžić's 90th-minute header ripped the celebrations away and delivered a gut-punch draw that will haunt Algeria's campaign.

Marko Arnautović, booked early in the 11th minute, had given Austria the lead at 28 minutes before Rafik Belghali pulled Algeria level just before half-time. Marcel Sabitzer restored the Austrian advantage ten minutes into the second half, setting the stage for Mahrez's remarkable double act.

Context

Both sides enter this result level on four points with identical 1-1-1 records, but Austria's superior goal difference (GD 0 vs. Algeria's GD -2) places them second in Group J. Argentina, already through and atop the group with a perfect nine points, cast a long shadow over both sides' chances. With the group stage complete, Austria sit second and in strong position to advance. Algeria, in third, must now hope their four points and goal difference are enough to qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams across all 12 groups.

Betting Implications

Austria's advancement looks solid from second place. Algeria's fate rests entirely on the third-place standings across all groups — a sweating exercise bettors should monitor closely. With Austria advancing as near-certainties, their Round of 32 price figures to shorten considerably overnight.

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