Algeria overturns deficit against Jordan and keeps round of 16 hopes alive

Coach Vladimir Petkovic reacted at the break with attacking changes, bringing on Nabil Bentaleb and Nadhir Benbouali to add more penetration. The move paid off.

Set pieces as the key

In the 69th minute, it was the introduced Benbouali who rose higher than three Jordanian defenders from a set piece to head home the 1-1 equalizer. Shortly afterward, Bayer Leverkusen player Ibrahim Maza made several ball recoveries and attempts on goal but was denied by the strong Abu Layla.

The decisive goal was scored by Amine Gouiri in the 82nd minute. After a corner, Ramy Bensebaini headed the ball to the near post, and Gouiri only had to nod it in from short range. It initially looked like an offside position, but referee Vincic from Slovenia and his team recognized that Jordanian defender Mohannad Abu Taha was closer to the goal line – the goal stood.

Jordan did not come back in the closing stages. After just 50 seconds, Nizar Al-Rashdan had narrowly headed a chance to take the lead over the bar; after about an hour, Noor Al-Rawabdeh curled a shot just wide of the right post. In the 48th minute, Mousa Al-Tamari only just missed what would have been Jordan's second goal.

Match flow and highlights

Coach Vladimir Petkovic, once in charge of the Swiss national team, had lined his side up in a 4-3-3 system. Mahrez was substituted in the 76th minute for Hadj Moussa, and Gouiri in the 85th minute for Belaid. Jordan's goalkeeper Abu Layla, son of former Bundesliga striker Ahmad Abu Layla, put in a strong performance and saved numerous Algerian efforts on goal.

The game was officiated by Slovenian referee Vincic and was part of the World Cup schedule in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Both of Algeria's goals came from corners – a pattern frequently seen at this tournament.

With the win, Algeria now has three points and can still finish second in the group with a victory against Austria on Sunday in Kansas City. A draw against Algeria would be enough for Austria to advance to the round of 16.

Situation in Group J

For Jordan, which is celebrating its World Cup premiere, the group stage is already over after the defeat against Argentina and the 1-1 draw with Austria. Even with a win against Argentina, the team can no longer climb above last place in Group J.

The Argentine superstar Lionel Messi is playing with his team in the same group and has already qualified as group winner. Argentina beat Austria 2-0 on Saturday.

In Algeria's starting eleven alongside goalkeeper Zidane were Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri, Boudaoui, Zerrouki, Maza, Mahrez, Gouiri and Chaibi. For Jordan, alongside Abulaila, the lineup included Nasib, Al Arab, Abu Dahab, Haddad, Al-Rashdan, Al-Rawabdeh, Abu Taha, Olwan, Al Mardi and Al-Tamari.

Lineups of both teams

Both Algerian goals came from corners, meaning both strikes were created from set pieces. The equalizer by Benbouali also stemmed from a set piece.

Austria had lost its opening Group J match against Jordan 1-3 and, after the Argentina defeat, also sits on three points. The direct duel between Algeria and Austria in the night from Saturday to Sunday at 4:00 a.m. CEST, broadcast live on ORF 1, will therefore decide second place in Group J and qualification for the round of 16.

Jordan's elimination marks the end of a premiere: taking part in a FIFA World Cup for the first time, the team bowed out early in the group stage. The players around coach Hussein Ammouta will head home after the final match against Argentina.

Outlook: Austria as the decider

While Algeria celebrates, attention is already turning to the decisive duel with Austria. For coach Petkovic and his team, it is the first knockout-style final in the fight to progress – a win would seal a place in the round of 16.