Many might think that Austria and Algeria They would sign a ‘non-aggression pact’, since with the tie both teams were in the round of 32while if one of the two lost, they were eliminated. Therefore, it was better not to risk it than to be left out. However, it was not like that. Austria went out for the three points and took the lead twice. The Algerians equalized and even scored the third, but a saving Kalajdzic gave life to Austria with a header in the 96th minute to continue in the World Cup.
The objective of both teams was clear: score. Otherwise, they would be eliminated. The initial minutes were a trial, although it was Austria that took the initiative. Arnautovic received a red card ten minutes into the match after elbowing Mandi in the throat.which cost him the yellow card, but could have been much more expensive.
The Algerians came out to defend their goal, aware of what the tie meant, while the Austrians, with their endless possessions, tried to seek victorybut without success. But the insistence ended up paying off, although it was with another attack tactic.
The ball reached Alaba in the center of the field, who He sent a great long pass directly to Arnautovic, who, helped by the passivity of Benbot who did not decide to go out (after the central defender’s pass, he had time for the ball to bounce twice and for him to control the ‘7’), beat the Algerian goal. overtaking Austria. Just a few minutes later Laimer had the second after a rebound inside the area, but this time the African goalkeeper was right.
But if there was someone who did not want to lose, it was Ibrahim Maza. A footballer full of talent who every time he catches the ball things happen. The Algerian ’22’ picked up a pass on the edge of the area and with great technical resource He went past three players and finished, although to the side of the net. Neither did Chaibi, who had little trouble loading the shot and sending the ball into the woodwork with a very powerful shot. leaving the Austrian goal trembling.
The roles had changed, and now it was the Algerians who were laying siege to the rival goal. Maza had another chance to get back to the tie, but this time it was Schlager who was in charge of defending his goal. Although it was of little use to him, since in the next play, one minute before the break, Belghali picked up a ball that hit the corner flag that Mahrez fought for, crossed, the rebound fell to him, left Sabitzer and Alaba on the ground after a cutback and shot the Austrian goalkeeper to tie the tie.
Rafik Belghali celebrating after scoring against Austria
Rangnick wanted to win the game, and at half-time he made three changes to go for the three points. And it didn’t take long for the second from Austria to arrive, just 10 minutes. Another long ball, this time looking for Laimer on the wing, who intelligently collided with his pair and took the ball, placed a low cross on the edge of the area that found Sabitzer and with a great first-time hitthe Dortmund footballer overtook his team.
Once again it was the Algerians’ turn to row so as not to be left out. And this time, his response was more immediate. It only took five minutes. Aouar made a great play on the wing, he placed the low cross that ran through the heart of the area and Mahrez found it there to finish at will and the game began again.
It was close shortly after Seiwald to sign the goal of the daywith a distant shot that went just a few centimeters from the top corner. However, Austria began to back down and They let Algeria take the pace of the game in the final minutes. The Algerians wanted to be very cautious, since a mistake could ruin the entire work. That’s why They worked out the play from behind without committing the slightest risk, touching from side to side and if necessary, you turned back and started again.
Algeria – Austria File
When it was believed that there would be a draw, Aouar filtered a great ball for Mahrez to cross the ball, putting Algeria’s third on the scoreboard and eliminating the Europeans from the tournament. Or so it seemed. But Rangnick put Kalajdzic on with time to score the goal that gave Austria life to the World Cup into the Algerian goal.