Rangnick scoffs at collusion talk after Austria's six-goal World Cup thriller

Austria coach Ralf Rangnick vehemently dismissed any notion that his team had engaged in a mutually beneficial draw with Algeria during their chaotic 3-3 World Cup thriller on Saturday. The dramatic finale, which saw both nations advance to the knockout stage, was Rangnick's primary evidence against any alleged collusion.

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In this match, when you have a 3-3, nobody can assume that it was an agreement, and especially what we saw during the last 90 seconds.

With a draw sufficient to send Austria through as Group J runners-up and Algeria into the last 32 as one of the best third-placed teams, the possibility of a convenient result had been a topic of discussion leading up to the match. However, Rangnick asserted that the game's extraordinary conclusion should put an end to any conspiracy theories. "In this match, when you have a 3-3, nobody can assume that it was an agreement, and especially what we saw during the last 90 seconds," the 67-year-old stated.

The match escalated dramatically in added time. Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez put his team ahead 3-2 in the 93rd minute, only for Austria's substitute Sasa Kalajdzic to equalize with what was effectively the last touch of the game. "Three minutes to play, if somebody had said this would happen, you would have told them they were mad," Rangnick exclaimed. "I've been a coach for about 40 years and I don't even remember a match that had such a dramatic course and such an unexpected trajectory."

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Three minutes to play, if somebody had said this would happen, you would have told them they were mad.

Rangnick rejected claims that either side was content with a draw late in the game, emphasizing that players continued to push for a winning goal before Mahrez's strike. "All who watched the game during the last 15 minutes must know there is no hint that the players absolutely wanted to have a draw," he said. "I think they wanted to win. Nobody can tell me that suddenly in minute 93 somebody would plan: 'oh yes, let's score another goal.' I think maybe it was the thought of one or two players in Algeria, but I think in the rest of the squad I don't think it was the case, and not for me."

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I've been a coach for about 40 years and I don't even remember a match that had such a dramatic course and such an unexpected trajectory.

Austria is now set to face European champions Spain in the round of 32 on July 2. Rangnick expressed his belief that "anything is possible," referencing the unpredictable nature of the tournament, such as Turkey's early elimination. He conveyed immense relief, incredulity, and happiness at securing his team's first World Cup knockout appearance in 44 years, admitting, "I still can't believe it. I need to be pinched to wake up from a dream."

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All who watched the game during the last 15 minutes must know there is no hint that the players absolutely wanted to have a draw. I think they wanted to win.