Forty-four years after the infamous "Disgrace of Gijon", Austria were once again involved in a World Cup match that ended in a conveniently favourable result for both teams on the pitch. Austria and Algeria 's Group J meeting finished as a draw, which ensured that both sides qualified for the knockout stages.
At the 1982 World Cup in Spain, Austria had been enmeshed in a similar set of circumstances. Remarkably, Algeria were also involved on that occasion. Austria's 1-0 loss to West Germany in Gijon, in which the two teams were accused of not even trying to alter the result, ensured progress for both European sides at the expense of Algeria.
There are, however, many significant differences between those shameful events in Gijon and the remarkable match that unfolded between Austria and Algeria in Kansas. While the overarching outcome may have been similar, the drama and excitement of the match proved that this was far from a repeat of one of the World Cup's most shameful moments.
Algeria also celebrated reaching the knockout stages - Alex Pantling/Getty Images
The victims on this occasion were Iran , who must have endured the most painful of emotional roller coasters as they watched Algeria and Austria produce a thrilling 3-3 draw. As of the 95th minute, Iran were going through to the knockout stages as one of the eight best third-placed teams. By the 97th minute, they were going home.
Austria and Algeria had both insisted before the match that they would try to win the game and they stayed true to their word. Marko Arnautovic gave Austria the lead with a prodded finish after 28 minutes, before Rafik Belghali equalised for Algeria with a powerful strike.
Austria then took the lead again, through Marcel Sabitzer , before former Manchester City forward Riyad Mahrez struck for Algeria with 60 minutes on the clock.
Only in the final few moments of the 90 minutes did the intensity of the match disappear, but it then returned in spectacular fashion during stoppage time. Mahrez scored in the 93rd minute, and for three minutes Austria were seemingly destined to be knocked out. But then, in remarkable scenes, Sasa Kalajdzic made it 3-3 with a 96th-minute header.
The late goal for Austria may actually prove to be an additional blessing for Algeria. If the African side had won the game, their next opponent would have been Spain in the round of 32. By finishing third in Group J, Algeria have secured what appears to be an easier tie, against Switzerland .
