Six-Goal Thriller Ends 3-3 as Austria Edge Algeria on Goal Difference
Riyad Mahrez scored twice for Algeria but Austria survived a dramatic 3-3 draw at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City to qualify from Group J on goal difference.
A breathless 3-3 draw at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City on June 27-28 sent Austria through from Group J on goal difference ahead of Algeria, with both sides level on four points. The 69,045 crowd witnessed goals in every act of a contest that twisted constantly.
Marko Arnautovic put Austria ahead in the 28th minute, only for Rafik Belghali to equalise at the stroke of half-time. Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria's lead in the 55th minute, but Riyad Mahrez pulled Algeria level again in the 60th. With the match seemingly settled at 3-3 after Mahrez's second goal in the 90th minute, Sasa Kalajdzic struck immediately for Austria to maintain the draw and, crucially, their goal difference advantage over Algeria.
Austria advance to the round of 32 in second place in Group J. Algeria are eliminated despite Mahrez's match-saving double, as goal difference proves decisive. Argentina top the group with a perfect nine points.