Austria and Algeria shared a frantic 3-3 draw in Kansas City, with both sides qualifying from Group J after a stoppage-time twist. Riyad Mahrez appeared to send Austria out with a late goal, before Sasa Kalajdzic struck almost immediately to rescue progression.

The result means Austria reach the knockout rounds for the first time since 1982 and now meet Spain in the next phase. Algeria also go through from Group J and are scheduled to face Switzerland in their round-of-16 tie.

Both teams entered the match aware that a draw would guarantee advancement, which led to suggestions of a cautious approach. Instead, the contest produced six goals, heavy pressure at both ends, and a chaotic finale that left players and coaches describing the experience as draining.

Mahrez scored twice, including in the third minute of second-half added time, which briefly left Austria outside the qualification places. Kalajdzic then came off the bench and, just 61 seconds after entering, headed in the equaliser that shifted the group table again and confirmed mutual progress.

Questions before kick-off hinted that both teams might settle for a low-intensity stalemate. Ralf Rangnick strongly rejected that view when speaking afterwards. “In this match, when you have a 3-3, nobody can assume that it was an agreement, and especially what we saw during the last 90 seconds,” Rangnick said, as reported by Reuters.

“Three minutes to play, if somebody had said this would happen, you would have told them they were mad. I’ve been a coach for about 40 years and I don’t even remember a match that had such a dramatic course and such an unexpected trajectory.”

Rangnick underlined how events in the closing stages contradicted any idea of pre-arranged parity. “Most anticipated 0-0 or 1-1, and now it’s 3-3. It’s incredible. The locker room is madness. If Alfred Hitchcock had written such a drama, I probably would have said he was completely mad.”

Rangnick added that the way both teams attacked late on proved their intent. “All who watched the game during the last 15 minutes must know there is no hint that the players absolutely wanted to have a draw. I think they wanted to win. Nobody can tell me that suddenly in minute 93 somebody would plan: ‘Oh yes, let’s score another goal.'”

Rangnick still accepted that some players might have thought about the group situation. “I think maybe it was the thought of one or two players in Algeria, but I think in the rest of the squad I don’t think it was the case, and not for me.” Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic shared the sense of strain, saying: “It sort of went beyond the limits of everyone’s endurance, it was a little crazy.”

The six-goal draw, the swings in qualification status, and the emotional reaction in both camps underlined how tense the Group J finale became. Austria now prepare for Spain with renewed belief after such resilience, while Algeria regroup for a meeting with Switzerland following an intense test of nerve and stamina.