KANSAS CITY, Missouri - Amid scrutiny of the World Cup's expanded 48-team format, Austria and Algeria delivered a group-stage thriller on Saturday, capping their match with a 3-3 draw that eliminated Iran.
The result hinged on a chaotic final minute. Riyad Mahrez appeared to seal an Algerian victory in the 93rd minute. But Austria's substitute, Sasa Kalajdzic, scored with his first touch in the 96th minute to secure the draw.
The dramatic conclusion banished memories of the infamous 1982 "Disgrace of Gijón," when a non-competitive match between West Germany and Austria eliminated Algeria. Both coaches dismissed fears of a repeat, with Algeria's Vladimir Petkovic stating, "at the end it was football that won."
The new group-stage structure has been criticized for its scheduling asymmetry, but the match showcased soccer's enduring unpredictability. Austria advanced as group runners-up, while Algeria progressed as one of the best third-placed teams.
"You concede the 3-2 in the 94th minute and you think it's over," said Austria's Marcel Sabitzer. "But then we still get a clear chance. And we still believe."