The 3-3 draw between Algeria and Austria is definitely one of the wildest games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far.
The result saw both nations seal a place in the Round of 32. Iran needed either side to lose to stay in the tournament, but their World Cup campaign came to an end after the match.
Brace highlights Mahrez vital role for Algeria
This match answered questions regarding Riyad Mahrez's importance to Algeria. The 35-year-old showed why Vladimir Petkovic continues to rely on the former Manchester City player.
Although Mahrez scored a brace, it was his second, scored in the 93rd minute, that emphasized his value to the team.
Houssem Aouar found Mahrez inside the box with a through ball, and the winger finished to give the Fennecs a 3-2 lead before Sasa Kalajdzic netted three minutes later to make it 3-3.
Algeria created enough opportunities, but Mahrez remained the player who was clinical in front of goal.
Petkovic's side has emerging younger talents. However, Mahrez still remains the main man despite being on a decline due to age.
Tactical fluidity and flaws in Algeria attack
Austria pushed ahead twice, yet Algeria fought back. The Fennecs were able to get a point from the game because of their resilience.
In addition, the team's tactical flexibility played a huge role. Algeria maintained a 4-2-4 shape and transitioned into a 3-1-6 when attacking, which enabled the full-backs Rafik Belghali and Jaouen Hadjam to attack aggressively.
As a result of this fluidity, Belghali scored the equalizer before halftime. Algeria created a width that stretched Austria's defensive line and created many dangerous situations.
The African side produced an expected goal of approximately 1.62. That said, there were signs that the attack was still far from perfect.
Algeria kept control of the ball for extended periods of time. Nevertheless, the final actions in the attacking moves were too poor to kill the game.
Amine Gouiri, who was expected to lead the line, was stranded for most of the match owing to Austria's mid-block and the poor service around him.
Defensive chaos threatens Algeria World Cup run
Algeria has issues without the ball, and the situation is difficult to ignore. The three goals Petkovic's side conceded exposed the defensive weaknesses that have been obvious throughout the tournament.
The fact that the Fennecs thought Mahrez's second goal had won them the game, only for them to give away the lead in the 96th minute, summed up a backline that lacks stability.
Goalkeeper Oussama Benbot's performance was subpar, and his display cost Algeria. There was a moment in the 28th minute when Marko Arnautovic found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper after a long ball from the back.
Benbot hesitated to leave his line to narrow the angle or challenge Arnautovic, which led to Austria's first goal as the striker scuffed the ball past him into the net.
Furthermore, Benbot's positioning was poor, and he lacked command of his box, especially for Kalajdzic's late goal. He conceded all three shots on target Austria had.
The center-back partnership of Aissa Mandi and Ramy Bensebaini in front of Benbot was composed when it came to possession.
Yet, the two defenders struggled whenever Austria attacked directly. Arnautovic's opener made the issue clear. The Austrian players made vertical runs toward the goal, which forced Algeria's defenders out of position.
The defenders were completely overwhelmed by this movement. They couldn't track the runners and cut out the passes.
Additionally, Petkovic's attacking approach allows his full-backs to push high, and that leaves space behind them, leaving Nabil Bentaleb alone to protect the defense.
Austria capitalized with quick counter-attacks, exposing the defensive balance.
Midfield spark offers hope despite balancing acts
Algeria's defensive flaws are worrying, but the midfield still brings some positivity. Aouar was once again the creative spark in the team, assisting Mahrez's two goals.
Fares Chaibi was also impressive. The 23-year-old midfielder was always willing to receive the ball under pressure.
Ibrahim Maza showed why there is a lot of hype around him. The Bayer Leverkusen man was remarkable and played with confidence.
Algeria's midfield has the press resistance and passing combinations required to compete with any midfield technically.
The concern is what happens when the games become physical, considering the midfield struggles to provide enough protection in front of the defense.
The issue could be exposed against a better side, like Switzerland in the Round of 32. If Les Verts find the right balance, they have every reason to believe that they can go toe-to-toe with any team.
The draw against Austria proved that they have the individual brilliance and attacking quality to survive these encounters.
Algeria needs to sort out their defensive structure; otherwise, it will affect them in the remainder of their World Cup campaign.
