Austria and Algeria Play Out Wild World Cup Thriller, Forgetting the 'Disgrace of Gijón'

In one of the most astonishing World Cup matches in history, Austria and Algeria played to a thrilling 3-3 draw, a result that propelled both nations into the round of 16. The dramatic conclusion, marked by goals in the dying moments of stoppage time, effectively erased the memory of the infamous 1982 "Disgrace of Gijón," a match known for its unsporting, mutually beneficial outcome.

The game in Kansas City nearly mirrored the scenario feared from the 1982 match between West Germany and Austria, where a specific scoreline would advance both teams at the expense of Algeria. However, instead of a passive "non-aggression pact," Sunday's encounter devolved into a chaotic spectacle. After Algeria's Riyad Mahrez scored in the third minute of stoppage time to take a 3-2 lead, Austria appeared to be eliminated. Yet, in the final play of the game, just three minutes later, Austria's substitute Sasa Kalajdzic headed home an equalizer from a cross and a header assist.

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I haven't experienced anything remotely like this.

"I haven't experienced anything remotely like this," said a visibly exhausted Austria coach Ralf Rangnick. The Austrian delegation, including former national player and TV pundit Andreas Herzog, erupted in celebration around Kalajdzic, who stands at an imposing two meters tall. Herzog, whose suit was reportedly torn in the jubilation, jokingly threatened to sue players for the incident.

Reflecting on the moment, Herzog praised the dramatic equalizer: "That the tall guy scores in the last second: absolutely top!" Kalajdzic, who had recently returned to the national team after an 857-day layoff due to injury, was seen as a deserving scorer of this remarkable goal. The match's unpredictable and high-stakes nature made it a standout event in World Cup lore, leaving a lasting impression on players, coaches, and fans alike.

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That the tall guy scores in the last second: absolutely top!