Mahrez Magic Denies Austria in 3-3 World Cup Thriller

Algeria and Austria shared six goals in a breathless 3-3 draw at the World Cup Group Stage, Riyad Mahrez breaking Austrian hearts with a 90th-minute equaliser after Sasa Kalajdzic’s late strike looked to have won it.

Algeria’s Early Jitters, Austria’s Clinical Edge

The Desert Foxes dominated possession from the outset but found themselves trailing against the run of play when Marko Arnautovic – already booked for an 11th-minute foul – latched onto David Alaba’s through ball to slot past Omar Benbot (28′). Austria’s lead lasted just 17 minutes though, as Ramy Belghali unleashed a thunderbolt from 25 yards that arrowed into the top corner on the stroke of half-time (45′).

Second Half Chaos as Austria Strike Back

Ralf Rangnick’s triple substitution at the break nearly paid immediate dividends when Marcel Sabitzer finished coolly after Konrad Laimer’s driving run (55′), but Mahrez levelled with a composed finish from Houssem Aouar’s clever pass on the hour mark (60′). Algeria’s 65% possession and 12 total shots told the story of their dominance, yet Austria’s ruthless efficiency – three shots on target, three goals – kept them in it.

Mahrez’s Moment of Genius

Just as substitute Kalajdzic looked to have stolen it for Austria with a close-range header in the 90th minute, Mahrez produced a moment of pure class, curling home from the edge of the box with virtually the last kick to send the Algerian fans into raptures. The stats sheet told the tale – 94% pass accuracy, 1.62 xG, and a refusal to accept defeat from Petkovic’s men.

What This Means for Both Sides

This result leaves both teams’ knockout hopes hanging by a thread in a fiercely competitive group. Algeria’s resilience will give them belief, but defensive frailties remain a concern. For Austria, throwing away two leads will feel like a defeat, though their counter-attacking threat could yet prove decisive. Both sides now face must-win final group games in one of the tournaments most dramatic stories so far.