Mahrez late goal sends Austria and Algeria through in 3–3 draw

A 3–3 draw and a Round of 16 ticket: Spain next

Austria held Algeria 3–3 on Sunday, and you are through to the World Cup knockout stage (4). The match ended in chaos. Riyad Mahrez scored a late equaliser that sent both teams through and eliminated the other two sides in the group (6) (7). The result has drawn immediate comparisons to the "Disgrace of Gijon" (4).

Mahrez scored the goal nobody wanted

Here is the strangest detail: Mahrez's goal upset everyone. Algeria and Austria both progress, but Algeria fans were not celebrating. Walid Acherchour, an Algerian commentator, put it bluntly: "As an Algerian I ask myself, why is he scoring?" (7). Austria's players lost their composure after the ball hit the net (Reddit).

The hero without knees

Austrian media are calling one player a hero. A last-ditch intervention rescued the team earlier in the match (2). The player himself said he hopes to "process it before facing Spain" (2). That is your Round of 16 opponent.

Spain await in the knockouts

Austria face Spain next (1) (7). The bracket is set. Algeria get Switzerland on their side (7).

Fan-reaktioner

The draw is the only thing anyone can talk about. Austria fans are defending the result against conspiracy allegations, while some admit the team fell apart emotionally after Mahrez scored (Reddit). One thread is running long with debate about whether the match was genuine.