Vladimir Petkovic: "Extremely Happy That Football Ultimately Won"

Algeria's national team coach, Vladimir Petkovic, described the dramatic 3-3 draw against Austria in their final World Cup Group J match as "a bit crazy," with both teams ultimately qualifying for the Round of 16.

Austria took the lead twice, but Algeria's squad equalized on both occasions, and in the 93rd minute, they seemed to have secured a victory before the Europeans leveled the score at 3-3 just three minutes later. "It somehow pushed everyone's endurance to its limits," Petkovic stated.

Algeria is set to face Switzerland in the World Cup 2026 Round of 16, pitting the experienced coach against a team he managed from 2014 to 2021. "Switzerland has a great team. I know them, even if there are new faces; some of them played under me, so I know these players," said the Algerian head coach, adding that the immediate focus would be on recovery. "Let's rest, and then we'll prepare for the next round," he added.

Petkovic further commented that Algeria is still developing as a team and improving with each match. Reflecting on the next phase, he welcomed the result, noting that memories of the "Disgrace of Gijón" from 1982, when West Germany and Austria played a mutually beneficial match that eliminated Algeria, were palpable. "I am extremely happy that in the end, football prevailed and won. A 3-3 result says it all," the coach declared.