Algeria beat Jordan 2-1 to stay alive and end debutants’ World Cup run

KANSAS CITY: Algeria came from behind to defeat Jordan 2-1 on Monday, keeping their World Cup hopes alive while knocking out the tournament debutants with one match still to play.

The result lifted Algeria to three points in Group J, level with Austria, after they had opened their campaign with a 3-0 defeat to Argentina. Jordan, who had also lost their first match 3-1 to Austria, were eliminated. Argentina, the defending champions, secured progress to the next round as group winners after beating Austria 2-0 earlier in the day.

Jordan took the lead in the 36th minute after Algeria midfielder Ramiz Zerrouki lost possession in defence. Mousa Al-Tamari’s effort broke sideways to Nizar Al-Rashdan, who struck first time into the bottom-right corner.

Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic restored veteran forward Riyad Mahrez to the starting lineup after leaving him on the bench against Argentina, and he played an important role against a Jordan side that defended deep and looked to break quickly. Mahrez missed an early opening after running onto a lofted pass from Hicham Boudaoui and then was denied by goalkeeper Yazeed Abu Laila when through one-on-one after another long ball from Boudaoui.

Second-half turnaround

Petkovic sent on Nabil Bentaleb and Nadhir Benbouali at halftime, and Algeria increased the tempo after the restart. Their equaliser came in the 69th minute when Benbouali rose amid a crowd of Jordan defenders to glance in a Mahrez corner. The goal was confirmed after a lengthy Video Assistant Referee review.

Algeria found the winner eight minutes from time from another set piece. Substitute Anis Hadj Moussa delivered the corner, and a deflection off Al-Rashdan allowed Amine Gouiri to poke the ball home from close range.

Speaking after the match, Gouiri said Algeria had shown improvement from their opening game.

“I don’t know if we showed our true face but we played a better game than against Argentina,” forward Gouiri said. “We conceded a goal but we had the mental resilience and we’re gradually gaining strength, and this match will do us a lot of good,” he said.

Jordan goalkeeper Abu Laila said his side had been unfortunate despite controlling long periods of the match. “The goals we conceded weren’t really down to tactics or anything like that. We had the game under control, but we missed our chances,” he said. “As players, we have to look at the details and take responsibility,” he said. “We blame ourselves and apologise to our fans.”

Group stakes and next match

The victory sets up Algeria’s final group match against Austria in Kansas City on Saturday. The meeting comes 44 years after the so-called Disgrace of Gijon at the 1982 World Cup, when Austria and West Germany advanced from their group at Algeria’s expense amid allegations of collusion. Both teams denied wrongdoing and FIFA cleared them.

Jordan will conclude their campaign against Argentina and Lionel Messi, who has scored all five of his team’s goals at the World Cup so far.