Austria and Algeria played to a thrilling 3-3 draw Saturday night in what amounted to a win-win result in their World Cup group-stage finale, allowing both to advance to the knockout round while eliminating Iran from the tournament.
The game was tied 2-2 in the closing minutes, and Algeria looked as if they were content to run out the clock, when captain Riyad Mahrez scored his second goal with about a minute left in stoppage time. That put Austria on the verge of elimination, only for Sasa Kalajdzic to head in the equalizing goal moments later and rescue Das Team's World Cup hopes.
Marko Arnautovic and Marcel Sabitzer also had goals for Austria, which finished second behind Argentina in Group J to advance for the first time since 1982. Their reward is a matchup with European champions Spain on Thursday in the Los Angeles area.
Rafik Belghali also scored for Algerias, who became the ninth of 10 teams from Africa to advance. They finished third in the group but get a potentially easier round of 32 showdown with Switzerland on Thursday night in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Iran would have advanced as one of the eight best third-place teams had Austria or Algeria won.
It was one last painful moment for Iran in a World Cup that's been tumultuous, on and off the pitch.
The Iranians have been playing while Tehran negotiates with Washington on terms of a deal meant to permanently end the war that began earlier this year
During the World Cup, Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei and players complained about numerous complications, including travel restrictions, visa denials for support staff and quick departures from the U.S. after matches.
U.S. officials have said all restrictions were known before the tournament.
In March, Iran sought to move its group-stage matches to Mexico, with which it has diplomatic ties. Its request to move its base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana was granted two weeks before the team's arrival.
Courtesy: ESPN.in
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
