Algeria and Austria draw, go to the World Cup knockout stages together and eliminate Iran

Algeria and Austria ended in a 3-3 draw on Saturday night (27), in Kansas City, in the match valid for the third round of group J of the World Cup. The result at Arrowhead Stadium qualified both teams for the knockout stages of the competition.

Marko Arnautovic opened the scoring and put the Austrians ahead. Before the end of the first stage, Rafik Belghali stepped up to equalize the dispute. Marcel Sabitzer scored for the European team, but Riyad Mahrez kept the match tied. In stoppage time, Mahrez scored the Algerians' third and Sasa Kalajdzic left the duel equal at 3-3.

After the end of the group stage, Austria finished in second place in the group, with four points won and a zero goal difference. The Algerians finished in third place, with the same score and a negative balance of two, and advanced as one of the best third-placed teams in the World Cup.

In addition, the score left Iran out of the round of 16 stage of the tournament. The Asian country, which was part of group G, ended up ninth in the ranking of third-placed teams and was the last to be eliminated from the World Cup.

The match
After a balanced start, Algeria went on the attack at the 10-minute mark, with a shot from midfielder Ibrahim Maza. After the hydration break, defender David Alaba found a beautiful ball for center forward Marko Arnautovic, who touched goalkeeper Oussama Benbot to find the net.

In the 33rd minute, midfielder Konrad Laimer invaded the area and hit Benbot. Soon after, Maza made a beautiful move, passed two markers and shot wide. The Algerians hit the post shortly after, with an attempt by midfielder Farès Chaïbi, and almost left everything the same.

Before the end of the first half, full-back Rafik Belghali recovered the ball in the attacking field, cut inside and scored to make it 1-1 in Kansas City.

At the break, the Austrians once again took the lead after nine minutes. Laimer accelerated down the right and crossed to midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, who hit it first time and made it 2-1.

Undeterred by the goal conceded, the African team tied the duel once again in the 15th minute. Midfielder Houssem Aouar dribbled past his marker, reached the baseline and crossed at the second post. Winger Riyad Mahrez appeared free and, from the start, scored 2-2.

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Source: CNN