Mahrez’s brace sends Algeria into World Cup knockouts after six-goal Austria thriller

Algeria and Austria produced one of the most entertaining matches of the FIFA World Cup group stage as they played out a pulsating 3-3 draw at Kansas City Stadium on Sunday, with Sasa Kalajdzic’s dramatic stoppage-time equaliser denying the North Africans a famous victory.

The result ensured both nations progressed to the Round of 32, capping a remarkable Group J finale that featured six goals, relentless attacking football and breathtaking late drama.

Austria struck first in the 28th minute through veteran striker Marko Arnautovic.

David Alaba delivered a perfectly weighted long pass from deep, allowing Austria’s all-time leading scorer to race behind the Algerian defence before calmly slotting beyond goalkeeper Oussama Benbot for his 49th international goal.

Algeria responded positively and almost levelled before halftime when Fares Chaibi thundered a fierce effort against the post.

Their persistence was rewarded moments later in first-half stoppage time through a moment of individual brilliance from Rafik Belghali.

After Riyad Mahrez disrupted Phillipp Mwene near the byline, Belghali collected possession, danced past two defenders with dazzling footwork and blasted an unstoppable finish beyond Alexander Schlager to restore parity.

The second half exploded into life with three goals in just five minutes.

Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria’s lead in the 55th minute, arriving perfectly to convert Konrad Laimer’s inviting cross with a powerful first-time finish that appeared to put Ralf Rangnick’s side in command.

Algeria refused to surrender.

Just five minutes later, Houssem Aouar produced a superb run down the left before delivering a perfectly weighted pass across the penalty area for captain Riyad Mahrez, who calmly finished to make it 2-2 and ignite the Algerian supporters.

As the game entered stoppage time, Algeria looked set to snatch a dramatic victory.

After dominating possession during the closing stages, Aouar once again unlocked the Austrian defence with a clever through ball, sending Mahrez clear on goal.

The former Manchester City winger kept his composure to fire into the bottom corner in the 93rd minute, completing his brace and seemingly securing qualification as Group J runners-up.

However, the drama was not over.

Austria launched one final attack, and substitute Michael Gregoritsch delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area.

Towering striker Sasa Kalajdzic, introduced only moments earlier, rose above the defence to head home with his very first touch in the sixth minute of added time, sparking wild celebrations among the Austrian players and supporters.

The thrilling draw ensured Austria advanced to face Spain in the knockout stage, while Algeria booked a meeting with Switzerland under head coach Vladimir Petkovic, who will now face the nation he previously managed.

Algeria, Mahrez’s inspirational display and Aouar’s two assists highlighted their attacking quality, while Austria once again demonstrated remarkable resilience.

In a tournament already full of unforgettable moments, this six-goal spectacle will be remembered as one of the World Cup’s finest group-stage encounters.

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