Last-Gasp Draw Sends Austria Through, Knocks Iran Out of World Cu

Austria and Algeria played out a dramatic 3-3 draw that ultimately sealed Iran's elimination from the FIFA World Cup after a thrilling finish in their Group J encounter.

The match appeared destined to end 2-2 deep into stoppage time before the late drama unfolded. Algeria looked set to snatch all three points when Riyad Mahrez scored his second goal of the match in the dying moments of added time, giving his side a 3-2 lead and seemingly condemning Austria to elimination.

However, there was one final twist. In the last attack of the game, Sasa Kalajdzic rose highest to head home a dramatic equaliser, rescuing a 3-3 draw for Austria and keeping their World Cup dream alive.

Austria's other two goals came from Marko Arnautovic and Marcel Sabitzer. The result saw Austria finish second in Group J behind group winners Argentina, securing a place in the knockout stage for the first time since 1982. They will face Spain in the Round of 32.

For Algeria, Rafik Belghali added the team's other goal alongside Mahrez's brace. Although they finished third in the group, Algeria progressed to the knockout phase as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams. They will take on Switzerland in the Round of 32.

The biggest casualty of the dramatic draw was Iran. Had either Austria or Algeria won the match, Iran would have advanced as one of the best third-placed teams. But Kalajdzic's stoppage-time equaliser wiped out that possibility, ending Iran's World Cup campaign.

Iran finished third in Group G with three points after drawing all three of their matches against Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt. They remained in contention for a knockout berth through the best third-placed teams ranking, but their qualification hopes depended on results elsewhere. The late equaliser in the Austria-Algeria clash ultimately dashed those hopes, sending Iran out of the tournament.

MMR