Algeria fight back: Algeria produced a strong second-half comeback to defeat Jordan 2-1 in Group J, ending the World Cup debutants’ campaign with a match to spare and keeping their own qualification hopes alive.
Algeria had fallen behind in the first half after Nizar Al-Rashdan finished from close range following a defensive error, giving Jordan a surprise lead and brief control of the match. However, the game shifted after the break as Algeria increased intensity and pressed higher up the pitch.
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Substitutes made the decisive difference for Algeria, with Nadhir Benbouali heading in from a Riyad Mahrez corner in the 69th minute before Amine Gouiri scored the winner from a goalmouth scramble late in the match.
The result marked a turnaround for Algeria following their opening 3-0 defeat to Argentina, while Jordan’s defeat confirmed their elimination after a spirited debut tournament run.
Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic restored Riyad Mahrez to the starting lineup, and the veteran winger played a key role in both goals, delivering the corner for the equaliser and creating multiple first-half chances.
Jordan had taken the lead through Nizar Al-Rashdan after linking well with Mousa Al-Tamari, but they struggled to maintain pressure as Algeria’s substitutions changed the tempo of the game.
Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abu Laila expressed disappointment after the match, saying his team controlled phases of the game but failed to convert key chances.
The result leaves Algeria level on points with Austria in Group J, while Argentina have already secured top spot after their earlier victory over Austria.
Algeria will now face Austria in a decisive match with historical tension dating back to the controversial 1982 World Cup group stage.
