Algeria came from behind to beat Jordan 2-1 on Monday, keeping their World Cup hopes alive while ending Jordan’s chances of progressing to the next stage of the tournament.
Second-half goals from substitutes Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri helped Algeria recover after falling behind in the first half. The win moved Algeria level on three points with Austria in Group J and also confirmed Argentina’s place in the knockout rounds as group winners following their victory over Austria earlier in the day.
After suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to Argentina in their opening match, Algeria needed a response and coach Vladimir Petkovic made one key change by restoring veteran winger Riyad Mahrez to the starting lineup.
Mahrez played an important role throughout the game, although he missed two good chances in the first half. First, he failed to make the most of a brilliant pass from Hicham Boudaoui after losing control of the ball. Shortly afterwards, he raced through on goal but saw his chipped effort saved by Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abu Laila.
Jordan, who had also lost their opening match against Austria, took the lead in the 36th minute. Algeria midfielder Ramiz Zerrouki gave away possession in a dangerous area, allowing Mousa Al-Tamari to launch an attack. His shot deflected into the path of Nizar Al-Rashdan, who fired a first-time effort into the bottom corner.
Petkovic responded by bringing on Nabil Bentaleb and Benbouali at half-time and Algeria looked much more dangerous after the break.
Their equaliser arrived in the 69th minute. Mahrez delivered a corner into a crowded penalty area and Benbouali rose highest to glance a header into the net.
Algeria completed the comeback 13 minutes later from another set piece. Substitute Anis Hadj Moussa curled in a corner, and after the ball took a deflection, Gouiri reacted quickest inside the six-yard box to poke home the winner.
The victory sets up a crucial final group match against Austria on Saturday, with a place in the knockout rounds still up for grabs.
The meeting also carries historical significance. It comes 44 years after the infamous “Disgrace of Gijon” at the 1982 World Cup, when Austria and West Germany were accused of playing out a result that allowed both teams to advance at Algeria’s expense. Although both teams denied any wrongdoing and FIFA found no evidence of misconduct, the match remains a painful memory for Algerian football fans.
Algeria will have a chance to write a new chapter when they face Austria in Kansas City. Jordan, meanwhile, will conclude their campaign against Argentina.
