Mahrez’s Double Fires Algeria Into World Cup Last 32 After 6-goal Thriller With Austria

Riyad Mahrez struck twice as Algeria secured their place in the FIFA World Cup last 32 after a breathtaking 3-3 draw with Austria in one of the tournament’s most dramatic group-stage encounters on Saturday.

In a match that produced two stoppage-time goals and a remarkable late twist, both teams earned the point they needed to progress from Group J, while Iran’s World Cup dream came to a heartbreaking end.

Mahrez appeared to have won it for Algeria when he rifled home his second goal of the match in the third minute of added time to put the North Africans 3-2 ahead. At that moment, Austria were heading out of the competition and Iran were set to qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams.

However, the drama was far from over.

Substitute Sasa Kalajdzic rose highest to head home a dramatic equaliser in the 96th minute, sparking wild celebrations among Austria’s players and supporters in Kansas City. The late strike ensured Austria finished as Group J runners-up, while Algeria advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.

Austria also became the first team in World Cup history to avoid defeat after falling behind beyond the 90-minute mark.

The result proved devastating for Iran, who exited the tournament unbeaten after drawing all three of their group matches. Their hopes had already been dented earlier in the day when a late winner against Egypt was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

Although Algeria and Austria entered the contest knowing a draw would send both sides through, there was none of the caution or controversy associated with the infamous “Disgrace of Gijón” at the 1982 World Cup. Instead, the teams produced an open, entertaining contest packed with attacking football and late drama.

Austria made the brighter start and took the lead shortly after the first-half cooling break. David Alaba’s perfectly weighted pass released Marko Arnautovic, who controlled brilliantly before squeezing a finish beyond Algeria goalkeeper Oussama Benbot.

Algeria responded positively and came close when Fares Chaibi thundered a 20-yard effort against the post.

Their pressure paid off just before the interval as Rafik Belghali reacted quickest after the ball rebounded into play off the corner flag, creating space before smashing an unstoppable effort into the roof of the net to level the scores.

Austria regained the lead 10 minutes into the second half when Marcel Sabitzer swept home first time after an intelligent cut-back from Konrad Laimer.

Once again Algeria refused to surrender.

Just five minutes later, Mahrez ghosted in at the far post to convert an excellent cross from Houssem Aouar, restoring parity at 2-2 and setting up a thrilling finale.

As the match entered stoppage time, the tempo briefly slowed before exploding into life.

Mahrez looked to have completed a memorable comeback when he unleashed a powerful angled strike into the far corner in the 93rd minute, seemingly sending Algeria through as Group J runners-up.

Yet Austria had one final response.

Only 61 seconds after entering the pitch, Kalajdzic powered home a towering header deep into added time to rescue a 3-3 draw and secure Austria’s passage to the knockout rounds.

Austria will now face Spain in the last 32 in Los Angeles, while Algeria take on Switzerland in Vancouver after claiming one of the tournament’s coveted best third-placed qualification spots.

For Mahrez, the two-goal performance highlighted his importance to Algeria’s campaign, as the Desert Foxes kept alive their hopes of a deep run at the World Cup after surviving an unforgettable night of high drama.