FIFA has decided not to investigate allegations that the World Cup group match between Austria and Algeria was deliberately manipulated to allow both teams to progress to the knockout stages. The game ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw, with Austria scoring a 96th-minute equaliser following a five-minute move involving 110 consecutive passes. Critics claim the result was engineered, but FIFA sources indicate the governing body sees no grounds for a formal inquiry.
Match Details and Controversy
The final Group D fixture saw Algeria take the lead through Riyad Mahrez in the 93rd minute, only for Austria to level three minutes later. The equaliser came after an extended period of possession, with Austria completing over a hundred passes before scoring. Tempers flared briefly when Austria's Marko Arnautovic was seen in a heated exchange with the Algerian bench. Ultimately, Austria advanced in second place, while Algeria finished third but also qualified for the next round.
Algeria's Mahrez acknowledged the awkwardness of the closing stages. "It was a bit awkward, to be honest. We were playing wide and they were sitting, but in the last minute someone plays a ball, he turns, and I have to make the run," he said. "I have to respect football. The ball arrives in front of the keeper and I have to score - I have to try to score. I know it's an awkward situation, but it's football, and I have to respect it. And the good thing for them (Austria), is that they score and they qualify. We both qualify, and that's the most important thing."
Reactions and Next Fixtures
Austria manager Ralf Rangnick has flatly rejected any suggestion of wrongdoing. FIFA, meanwhile, has brushed aside the allegations and harbours no concerns regarding the validity of the result. Austria now face a daunting knockout tie against European champions Spain. Should they pull off a shock, their next challenge would be either Portugal or Croatia. Algeria will take on Switzerland, with a potential quarter-final meeting against Argentina if both sides keep winning.
