Austria, Algeria defy controversial format to deliver World Cup thriller

KANSAS CITY, Missouri, June 28 : For all the scrutiny surrounding the World Cup's expanded 48-team format, with the advantage its uneven scheduling may give sides playing later in the final round, Austria and Algeria offered a reminder of the sport's unpredictability on Saturday.

Austria coach Ralf Rangnick said he had "no words" to explain the chaos that unfolded in the dying seconds as their 3-3 draw capped a group stage both problematic in design and irresistible in drama.

They produced one of the most gripping encounters of the tournament so far, full of momentum swings and late heroics.

Austria led twice, but the North Africans fought back relentlessly.

When Riyad Mahrez fired home in the 93rd minute to make it 3-2, it appeared to be a goal that would give Algeria victory and eliminate Austria. But the Europeans struck again three minutes later, sending both into the round of 32.

"It was a serious, disciplined performance. We were solid," Mahrez said. "In the end, we could have won it, but it's a draw. The most important thing is to go through."

1982 REMINISCENCES PUT TO REST

Memories of the "Disgrace of Gijon" in 1982, when West Germany and Austria played out a mutually beneficial, uncompetitive match that eliminated Algeria, lingered in the build-up, but both coaches dismissed fears of a repeat.

"I'm extremely happy that at the end it was football that won, that prevailed. 3-3 as a score says it all," said Algeria manager Vladimir Petkovic.

A direct result of ⁠the 1982 match was FIFA changing rules to ensure the final matches in World Cup ​group stages are played simultaneously, though the new 48-team format may have reintroduced some asymmetry.

In the final round, some teams - including the Group J sides - took the field