Both Austria and Algeria need a result to secure second place. Austria — the dark horses of this tournament who caused genuine problems for Argentina — face an Algeria side built on collective grit and the individual genius of Riyad Mahrez in what will likely be his final World Cup appearance.
SoFi Stadium, gleaming and vast, provides the perfect stage for a genuine needle match. Everything is on the line. Both sets of fans know it.
Ralf Rangnick's Austria press relentlessly, force turnovers high, and transition through Sabitzer in the middle. They're exhausting to play against — physically and mentally. The question is whether they can sustain that intensity against Algeria's technical quality.
Algeria play through Mahrez on the right. When he's on it, they look like a top-16 team. When he's quiet, they struggle. Coach Petkovic has built a counter-attacking structure that suits their personnel — let Austria come, then spring quickly.
A breathless opening 30 minutes — Austria pressing, Algeria absorbing, chances at both ends. Mahrez conjures magic from nothing on 34 minutes: cuts inside from the right, sells a dummy to two defenders, and curls it into the top corner. Algeria 1–0.
Austria don't panic. Christoph Baumgartner equalises with a header from an Alaba corner, 58 minutes. The final half-hour is end-to-end. Neither side can find a winner. Full time: Algeria 1–1 Austria. Both teams go through. The drama was worth every minute.
A cut-inside curl that belongs in a highlight reel forever. Mahrez at his imperious best.
A towering header from an Alaba corner. Austria's set-piece quality tells again.
Returned from injury just in time for the World Cup. The best Austrian player of his generation — his composure in defence and delivery from set pieces are Austria's most underrated assets.