Algeria’s late 2-1 victory over Jordan has revived their World Cup hopes and set up a decisive clash with Austria in Group J. Amine Gouiri’s winner at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium kept qualification alive, with Algeria and Austria now locked on three points before meeting in Kansas City on Saturday.

The result carries extra weight because of history between the nations. Algeria were knocked out of the 1982 World Cup after the “Disgrace of Gijon”, when West Germany beat Austria 1-0 and both teams stopped attacking. That match still influences how Algeria view this new meeting with Austria.

Group J is now almost settled at the top and bottom. Argentina are already confirmed as group winners, while Jordan cannot progress after two defeats. Algeria and Austria are tied on three points and will compete directly for second place, with goal difference and head-to-head on the line.

{TABLE_1}

The comeback against Jordan also carried statistical significance for Algeria. It was their first World Cup win after conceding the opening goal, ending a run of 10 such matches without victory, with three draws and seven losses. Gouiri’s strike was also Algeria’s latest winning goal in regulation time at any World Cup edition.

Algeria were in serious trouble late in the first half on Monday. Jordan went ahead when Nizar Al Rashdan drove a low strike into the net, punishing Algeria shortly before the interval. The tournament debutants looked composed at that stage, while Algeria struggled to create clear chances from open play.

The match flipped after the break through set-pieces. Riyad Mahrez delivered a dangerous corner that Nadhir Benbouali converted for the equaliser, exploiting weak marking. Another dead-ball situation then caused chaos eight minutes from time, allowing Gouiri to force the ball over the line and complete the turnaround.

That response followed a heavy setback earlier in the group. Algeria had started their campaign with a 3-0 loss to Argentina, with Lionel Messi heavily involved. The defeat raised questions about Algeria’s form, but the reaction against Jordan suggested growing belief and stronger mental resilience within the squad.

Gouiri felt the way Algeria handled the pressure could reshape their tournament. Gouiri said: “We had the mental strength to come back, and I think we’re continuing to improve. This victory, earned with character and determination, will do us the world of good. It could be a turning point. A win is always good, especially for confidence given the way the match unfolded. We’re very happy, but we know nothing is done yet. We’ve taken an important step.”

Fellow forward Ibrahim Maza described a contest where Algeria felt in control despite trailing. Maza said: “It was a very hard game. They were leading 1-0 but we had the upper hand the whole game. That was my feeling. At half-time we spoke about how we had to do even more, but we had to be patient still as we had the ball nearly the whole time. Then we scored two nice goals and won the game. We are very happy. I think these three points will help us in the next game, they will motivate us a lot. We have confidence now to go to the next game.”

For Jordan, elimination comes with mixed emotions. Jordan became the first team since Ivory Coast in 2006 to score in each of their first two World Cup matches, but still went out. Head coach Jamal Sellami focused on fine margins at set-plays rather than open-play quality between the two sides.

Sellami said: “We didn’t see a big gap when it comes to skills, except for the corner kicks and set-pieces. I was proud of the performance of my players. Yes, the results are sad. We were hoping for better results, but I’m happy with my players.”

Algeria now turn attention fully to Austria, carrying renewed confidence from the Jordan comeback and aware of the historic backdrop to the fixture. With Argentina clear and Jordan out, the final Group J match for Algeria will decide whether this fightback truly becomes the “turning point” Gouiri described.