Mahrez Rescues Algeria with Injury-Time Strike
Mahrez snatched a dramatic point for Algeria in the third minute of added time, cancelling out what had looked like a winning goal for Austria to leave Group J in remarkable tension. The final score of 3–3 means both sides end the group stage level on four points, with qualification implications still to be resolved.
Austria took the lead when Arnautović converted in the 28th minute, and they looked in control. Algeria responded before the break, however, as Belghali equalised in the 45th minute to send both sides level at half-time.
A Breathless Second Period
The drama intensified after the restart. Sabitzer restored Austria’s advantage in the 55th minute, only for Mahrez to level again just five minutes later in the 60th minute. Algeria and Austria were trading blows, and the match refused to settle.
With the clock winding down, Kalajdžić appeared to have won it for Austria, striking in the 90th+6th minute — yet Mahrez had already had the final say for Algeria, his second goal of the match arriving in the 90th+3rd minute to keep his side’s hopes alive.
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Group J Standings
Argentina, already on nine points from three matches, top Group J and progress as winners. Austria and Algeria both sit on four points after three games, while Jordan are eliminated having collected no points. The final standings will determine which of Austria and Algeria advance alongside Argentina.