Locker Room Madness and Hitchcock. Austria Coach: "I've Coached for 40 Years, But I Don't Remember a Match Like This"

Ahead of the match, discussions once again revolved around the infamous "Disgrace of Gijón" from the 1982 World Cup, where Austria and West Germany played out a mutually beneficial, uninspired draw that saw both teams advance and eliminated Algeria. Algeria certainly had revenge on their minds but also understood that a shared point would send both national teams through. However, Marko Arnautović opened the scoring in the 28th minute, forcing Algeria to step up. Rafik Belghali managed to equalize in the dying moments of the first half, but the Europeans again took the lead in the second half through Marcel Sabitzer. Yet, the African team responded once more, with Riyad Mahrez leveling the score in the 60th minute.

 Just as everything seemed headed for a safe draw, Mahrez struck again in second-half stoppage time, sending not only his country but also Iran, from the third-placed teams' table, into the Round of 16. "It was a feeling of immense happiness and joy. It's truly special to score at the World Cup. We came here with the goal of advancing from the group, and we're glad we succeeded," said the 35-year-old Mahrez, who appeared to be the match-winner. However, the Austrians refused to give up, and in the final action of the game, Saša Kalajdžić equalized to make it 3-3, which sent both teams through and eliminated a luckless Iran.

"I've been a coach for 40 years, but I don't remember such a dramatic and unpredictable match. If someone had told me at the beginning that it would end 3-3, I wouldn't have believed them," coach Rangnick was quoted by AP after the match.

After a crazy drama, Austria secured their first group stage progression in 44 years, their first since the "Disgrace of Gijón." "It's madness in the locker room right now. If Alfred Hitchcock had written this drama, I'd say he'd gone mad," added the former Manchester United manager. However, a formidable opponent awaits the Austrians in the Round of 16, as they will host reigning European champions Spain in Inglewood (July 2, 9:00 PM CEST).

Algeria, who advanced from the group stage only for the second time in their history and for the first time in 12 years, also expressed great joy. "It was a crazy game. We'll celebrate the qualification, rest, and prepare for the next round," said the African nation's coach, Petković. Algeria became the ninth of ten African teams to reach the Round of 16. There, they face another confrontation with a European team, meeting Group B winners Switzerland in Vancouver (July 3, 5:00 AM CEST).

 In the concurrently played Group J match in Arlington between Argentina and Jordan, the table position was no longer at stake. "La Albiceleste" had already secured their group triumph and were preparing for their Round of 16 clash with Cape Verde (July 4, 12:00 AM CEST). This is why coach Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to the lineup, even leaving the tournament's top scorer, Lionel Messi, on the bench. However, he granted a World Cup debut to Giovani Lo Celso, who repaid him with a goal from a free-kick in the 19th minute.

"I've been waiting for this moment. I dreamed about it, but today was better than I could have imagined," admitted the 30-year-old Lo Celso, a Real Betis midfielder. For Argentina, it was their first direct free-kick goal at a World Cup since Messi's strike against Nigeria in Brazil 2014. Lautaro Martinez extended the lead to two goals from a penalty before halftime. "Lautaro is doing a great job. We've been happy with him since he joined the team. Every time he scores, it's better for the team," Scaloni praised the Inter Milan striker's performance.

 Jamal Sellami's side reduced the deficit in the second half, but then came another moment for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, Messi. He entered the pitch in the 60th minute and, just 20 minutes later, found the net again with a free-kick. "I'm very happy for him. He's having great moments," teammate Lo Celso said about Messi, who now has six goals in this World Cup.

Scaloni expressed satisfaction with the group stage. "I think it was a very good group. But now the important phase begins. We're turning the page and thinking about Cape Verde, who will be a very tough opponent," stated the 48-year-old coach. For debutants Jordan, the tournament ended without a point, but coach Sellami viewed the experience as enriching. "As World Cup debutants, we need to take away some lessons. The players are now more aware of the demands of this tournament," admitted the 55-year-old Sellami.