Coach: 'Never experienced anything like' last-minute draw that sends Austria through

Austria's national football team coach Ralf Rangnick expressed disbelief at the dramatic 3-3 draw against Algeria, a result that propelled his team into the tournament's round of 16. "I don't think I've ever experienced anything like it in a football match," Rangnick stated after the game, as reported by local media.

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I don't think I've ever experienced anything like it in a football match.

Austria initially led the match but found themselves trailing 2-3 in the 93rd minute. The team managed to equalize in the 96th minute, a comeback Rangnick called "incredible." He noted that the entire team was "speechless" after Sasa Kalajdzic's last-gasp goal, which ensured Austria finished second in their group behind Argentina.

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Normally, with 2-3 the game is over and you are dead. That we took the opportunity to react and get back into the game is incredible.

Rangnick likened the improbable finish to a Hollywood movie with a happy ending, suggesting even suspense film director Alfred Hitchcock could not have scripted such a dramatic conclusion. "Alfred Hitchcock had nothing to do with football. But if he had ever written a drama like this, they would have probably called him completely crazy," the coach commented, according to the APA agency.

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Alfred Hitchcock had nothing to do with football. But if he had ever written a drama like this, they would have probably called him completely crazy.

Team captain David Alaba expressed confidence in facing Spain in the next round, while acknowledging areas for improvement. "The match against Spain is a direct elimination. We are not the favorites, but we have a small chance," said forward Michael Gregoritsch.

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The match against Spain is a direct elimination. We are not the favorites, but we have a small chance.