World Cup: Algeria revive Round of 32 hopes with narrow win over Jordan

Algeria and Austria will meet on the final matchday to decide automatic qualification from Group J.

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Back in 1982, Algeria felt hard done by Germany and Austria as the two neighbors were involved in the “Disgrace of Gijón” to advance to the next round of the World Cup with a shade of match fixing.

After their first-ever comeback victory in the stage, Algeria now have a chance to avenge that when they face Austria on the final matchday with both teams having three points. Amine Gouiri’s scrappy strike secured the points for Vladimir Petković’s side against Jordan.

The debutants drew first blood with Nizar Al-Rashdan’s first-half strike. Half-time substitute Nadir Benbouali had Algeria back in the game on his World Cup debut before the French-born striker decided the tie in the 82nd minute.

Ramy Bensebaini (Borussia Dortmund), Farès Chaïbi (Eintracht Frankfurt), and Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen) have all played the entire game for Algeria. Mohamed Amoura (Wolfsburg) missed the game due to an injury.

The best third-placed option could see both Austria and Algeria making it into the Round of 32, but Ralf Rangnick's men will only need a point to finish second. Jordan’s maiden World Cup appearance will end after their game against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.