Mahrez double denied as Kalajdzic rescues Austria against Algeria

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GOAL

·28 June 2026

Mahrez double denied as Kalajdzic rescues Austria against Algeria

Algeria and Austria played out a breathless 3–3 draw in their decisive Group G finale at Kansas City Stadium, with both nations advancing to the knockout rounds. Riyad Mahrez scored twice for Algeria, including what appeared to be a match-winning strike at 90+3', only for substitute Sasa Kalajdzic to head in an equaliser at 90+6' after entering the pitch just one minute earlier.

The match produced six goals across 96 dramatic minutes, with neither side able to hold a lead for long. Marko Arnautovic opened the scoring at 28', Rafik Belghali equalised at 45', Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria's advantage at 55', and Mahrez levelled at 60' before his late effort was cancelled out in extraordinary fashion. GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Algeria v Austria.

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Winners

Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

The Algeria captain delivered the defining individual performance of this six-goal encounter, scoring twice to drag his side back from the brink on multiple occasions. His two goals ensured Algeria qualified for the knockout rounds despite the late heartbreak of Kalajdzic's equaliser.

Mahrez's first goal at 60' was a composed left-footed finish from Houssem Aouar's cross at the far post, pulling Algeria level at 2–2 just five minutes after falling behind again. His second at 90+3' appeared to complete a remarkable comeback, collecting a pass before firing across Alexander Schlager into the far corner.

Though ultimately denied a match-winning brace, Mahrez's movement and experience caused Austria constant problems throughout. His goals secured Algeria's passage to the knockout stages for only the second time in their World Cup history, marking another decisive tournament contribution from the experienced forward.

Michael Gregoritsch (Austria)

Introduced at half-time for goalscorer Arnautovic, Gregoritsch transformed Austria's attack and ultimately provided the assist that saved their World Cup campaign. His headed flick-on in the 90+6' minute found Kalajdzic unmarked in the centre, rescuing a point when elimination looked certain.

Throughout the second half, Gregoritsch used his physical presence to win aerial duels against Aissa Mandi and Ramy Bensebaini, holding the ball up under pressure and bringing teammates into play with intelligent layoffs. His ability to occupy defenders created space for Austria's attacking transitions.

When Mahrez struck at 90+3' to put Algeria ahead, it was Gregoritsch's determination at the far post moments later that kept Austria alive. Meeting Sabitzer's cross before Kalajdzic applied the finish, his contribution proved the catalyst for Austria's qualification as group runners-up.

Loser

Jaouen Hadjam (Algeria)

The Algeria left-back was directly beaten for Sabitzer's goal at 55' that put Austria 2–1 ahead. Konrad Laimer won a physical challenge against Hadjam before driving to the byline and cutting the ball back for Sabitzer's finish, exposing the defender's pace deficit.

While Hadjam showed forward enterprise early on, executing a nutmeg on Stefan Posch and making overlapping runs, his defensive vulnerability proved costly. Austria targeted his flank repeatedly in the second half, and Algeria's decision to substitute him at 71' reflected his struggles.

Had Algeria held the lead Mahrez established at 90+3', Hadjam's defensive error would have been forgotten. Instead, his failure to track Laimer directly contributed to the chain of events that saw Algeria blow three separate leads and ultimately concede a last-gasp equaliser.