Algeria rallied to secure a 2-1 victory against Jordan, eliminating the World Cup newcomers with a match remaining in the group stage. The win was propelled by second-half goals from substitutes Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri.
Benbouali’s header equalized after Nizar Al-Rashdan’s opening goal in the first half, while Gouiri found the net in a goalmouth scramble just eight minutes from the end. This victory revitalized Algeria’s campaign following their initial 3-0 defeat to Argentina.
With this triumph, Algeria matched Austria with three points in Group J, ensuring that defending champions Argentina would advance as group winners after their earlier 2-0 win over Austria.
Key Moments of the Match
Algeria’s coach, Vladimir Petkovic, reinstated veteran forward Riyad Mahrez to the starting lineup after he was benched against Argentina, and Mahrez played a crucial role in dismantling a Jordan team that focused on defense and quick counterattacks.
Mahrez initially squandered a chance when he failed to control a brilliantly lofted pass from Hicham Boudaoui. He later found himself one-on-one with Jordan’s goalkeeper, Yazeed Abulaila, after another long ball from Boudaoui, but his chipped shot was thwarted by the goalkeeper’s intervention.
Jordan took the lead in the 36th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Algeria’s Ramiz Zerrouki. Following a clever interplay, Musa al-Taamari’s shot deflected to Al-Rashdan, who struck first-time into the bottom right corner.
Algeria’s Turnaround
Petkovic made tactical changes at halftime, bringing on Nabil Bentaleb and Benbouali, which elevated Algeria’s performance. In the 69th minute, Benbouali scored with a glancing header from a Mahrez corner, restoring parity.
Just thirteen minutes later, Algeria seized the lead from another set piece, as substitute Anis Hadj Moussa delivered a corner that was deflected off Al-Rashdan, allowing Gouiri to net the decisive goal.
This victory sets the stage for a highly anticipated match against Austria, evoking memories of the infamous “Disgrace of Gijon” from the 1982 World Cup.
Looking Ahead
In that tournament, allegations arose that Austria and West Germany had colluded in their group match to ensure both teams advanced at Algeria’s expense. Although both nations denied any wrongdoing, the incident left a lasting scar.
Algeria will look to exact some revenge when they face Austria in Kansas City on Saturday, while Jordan prepares to face Argentina and Lionel Messi, who has netted all five of their goals in the tournament thus far.
