Algeria and Austria played out a 3-3 draw on matchday three of the World Cup group stage, with both sides converting their strongest spells into goals and no lead lasting long. Austria started with limited possession but remained alert on the counter-attack. After M. Arnautovic received a yellow card in the 11th minute, Ralf Rangnick's side needed time to settle, before finding their first clear effort through David Alaba. In the 28th minute, Marko Arnautovic capitalised on his assist to make it 0-1. Algeria had the better of the game, keeping the ball longer in their own ranks, and pulled level just before the break. Belghali equalised in the 45th minute to make it 1-1 at half-time.
Austria responded at the interval with three substitutions. Gregoritsch replaced Arnautovic, Grillitsch came on for X. Schlager and Wanner for Schmid. The changes quickly moved Austria forward again after the restart. In the 55th minute, Laimer fed Sabitzer, who made it 1-2. Algeria replied five minutes later through their most prominent figure. Aouar set up Mahrez in the 60th minute, who finished to make it 2-2. Both teams made a further four substitutions during the middle portion of the match.
The statistics explained why the match remained open deep into stoppage time. Algeria finished with 65 per cent possession, 12 shots, 5 on target and 1.62 xG. Austria had only 35 per cent possession but managed 10 shots, 3 on target, and also converted three goals from 1.44 xG. Algeria's longer spells on the ball produced a slight edge in chances, while Austria remained highly effective with few clear moments.
The decisive passage began in the 90+3 minute. Aouar again found Mahrez, and the Algerian captain struck again - this time to make it 3-2. It was his second goal of the evening and the precise moment when Algeria came closest to victory. Ghedjemis replaced Aouar for Algeria in the 90+4 minute. Austria then sent on Sasa Kalajdzic in place of Philipp Mwene in the 90+5 minute. One minute later, that substitution had an immediate impact: Gregoritsch provided the assist and Kalajdzic made it 3-3 in the 90+6 minute.
Algeria was left with a single point - a result that initially seemed insufficient following Mahrez's late goal. However, Vladimir Petkovic’s squad took positives from the fact that they controlled the game for long stretches and boasted a player in Mahrez who converted both of their shots on target into goals, ultimately allowing them to advance to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams. Austria had to contend with long spells without possession but remained a threat in front of goal right up to the final attack. With this victory and a total of four points from their three group matches, Rangnick’s team also advances to the next round, where they will face Spain.
