\n
\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Sasa Kalajdzic proved to be the hero for Austria as his last-gasp header secured a thrilling 3-3 draw against Algeria in their FIFA World Cup clash. As a result, Das Nationalteam <\/em>qualified for the Round of 32, keeping their World Cup dream alive, following their contest at the Kansas City Stadium on Saturday, June 27.<\/p>\n Marko Arnautovic<\/a> opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a clinical finish. However, the Desert Foxes responded well after Fares Chaibi struck the woodwork, before Rafik Belghali scored in the 45th minute to make it 1-1 going into the break.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \nThanks for the submission!\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/template><\/p>\n Marcel Sabitzer slotted home in the 55th minute to hand Austria the lead again, but Riyad Mahrez leveled the scores five minutes later. The latter then thought he had won the game for Algeria in the third minute of stoppage time after completing his brace with a good finish into the bottom corner. However, Kalajdzic headed home in the dying seconds of the game (90+6′) to secure a valuable point for his nation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/template><\/p>\n Without further ado, let’s dive into five talking points from their FIFA World Cup<\/a> clash:<\/p>\n After Mahrez made it 3-2 to Algeria in stoppage time, Austria faced a real possibility of elimination in the FIFA World Cup group stage. Fortunately, Kalajdzic’s equalizer ensured both sides progressed to the Round of 32.<\/p>\n Ralf Rangnick and Co. finished second in Group J with four points from three games, five points behind Argentina and ahead of third-placed Algeria on goal difference.<\/p>\n As a result, the Desert Warriors also progressed to the next round, as they did well enough to take one of the third-placed spots. Consequently, Iran have been eliminated from the FIFA World Cup as they finished third in Group G with three points.<\/p>\n Even though Vladimir Petkovic and Co. were unable to secure the three points, one notable takeaway was their quality down either wing. Riyad Mahrez<\/a> and Houssem Aouar combined well, with the Saudi Pro League duo providing four goal contributions between themselves to devastate Austria’s defense.<\/p>\n Mahrez scored a brace, created two chances, and landed both hit shots on target. Meanwhile, Aouar provided two assists and created the most chances (three) in the game. Both stars will look to have a similar impact going forward in the FIFA World Cup.<\/p>\n Algeria have a vital issue to fix in the FIFA World Cup knockouts, and that is to get their first-choice goalkeeper selection in order. Luca Zidane’s shot-stopping was poor during their group stage games against Argentina and Jordan, resulting in Oussama Benbot being given a chance to impress against Austria.<\/p>\n However, Benbot made an error in the first half, which resulted in Arnautovic scoring. Vladimir Petkovic now has a dilemma on who to start between the out-of-form pair, with third-choice keeper Melvin Mastil also an option.<\/p>\n Algeria<\/a> dominated possession against Das Nationalteam<\/em> with 65 percent of the ball as they completed a mammoth 706 passes with an accuracy of 94 percent. In comparison, the latter had 35 percent possession and completed 346 passes (87 percent accuracy).<\/p>\n While the Desert Foxes were more dominant going forward, landing 12 shots in total, with five being on target – both sides outperformed their xG. The former generated an xG of 1.67, while Austria’s was 1.49, after mustering 10 shots in total, with three being on target, per FotMob.<\/p>\n Having qualified for the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, both sides will aim to make a deep run in the tournament. Algeria will lock horns against Switzerland on Thursday, July 2, while Austria<\/a> will face tournament favorites Spain on the same day as well.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
#5 Austria and Algeria progress, but Iran eliminated from FIFA World Cup<\/h2>\n
#4 Algeria wingers were excellent<\/h2>\n
#3 The Desert Warriors have a massive goalkeeper problem<\/h2>\n
#2 Both sides outperformed their xG<\/h2>\n
#1 Round of 32 fixtures confirmed<\/h2>\n