Algeria and Austria scored in stoppage time during a thrilling six-goal match that meant both teams qualified for the World Cup finals and led to allegations of match-fixing.
Austria and Algeria played out a thrilling six-goal match with both teams advancing.
FIFA has no plans to investigate claims that the World Cup match between Austria and Algeria was modified to suit both teams.
The rivals have agreed to a mutual draw in their final group match, suggesting both could qualify for the finals. It was a thrilling 3-3 tie between the rivals, with Austria scoring the equalizer in the 96th minute. This came after Riyad Mahrez put Algeria ahead three minutes early.
The goal included a five-minute build-up and 110 consecutive passes that could have sent Austria home. Tensions threatened to boil over as Marko Arnautovic was seen arguing with the Algeria bench and throwing his hands up in anger.
In the end, Ralf Ragnick’s team passed in second place, and Algeria qualified for the next round in third place. Critics claim the result was deliberately engineered, with Algeria allowing their opponents to equalize with a late kick.
However, FIFA is understood to have rejected the proposal and is not concerned about the outcome.
Austrian coach Rangnick also flatly denied this idea. Mahrez did little to quell mounting speculation, but admitted something was wrong when he admitted he felt the end-game scenario was “awkward”.
The former Manchester City star said: “To be honest, it was a bit awkward. We were playing wide and the opponent was sitting, but at the last moment someone played the ball and he turned and I had to run.”
“I have to respect football. The ball got in front of the keeper, so I have to score. I have to try to score. I know it’s an awkward situation, but this is also football and you have to respect it. And the good thing for them (Austria) is that they score and qualify. We both qualified and that’s the most important thing.”
FIFA is satisfied that no match-fixing occurred (Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)
Austria will face European champion Spain in a difficult knockout match. If they can pull off a big upset, their next opponents will likely be Portugal or Croatia.
On the other hand, Algeria is scheduled to play Switzerland, and if both countries continue to win, they will advance to the final eight and meet Argentina.
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