Naija, make I tell you wetin happen for Kansas City for World Cup group J match wey Algeria and Austria play. Both teams don enter knockout stage after they draw 3-3 for a match wey get plenty drama.
Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez score two goals, including one for 93rd minute wey put Austria for danger of elimination. But Austria, dem no gree give up. Sasa Kalajdzic head ball enter net for 96th minute to equalise and save dem.
Iran, wey don draw all three matches, dey out because dis result no favour dem. Dem go see late winner wey dem score against Egypt disallowed for offside after VAR check. Now, Iran don go home even though dem no lose any match.
For di match, Austria first score for first half through Marko Arnautovic, wey run onto David Alaba pass and shoot pass Oussama Benbot. Algeria answer back before half-time as Rafik Belghali bundle ball enter net after corner flag confusion.
Second half, Austria take lead again as Marcel Sabitzer side-foot home from Konrad Laimer cross. But Algeria respond quick as Mahrez turn in at far post from Houssem Aouar cross. Both sides come close to winner before di intensity drop for last five minutes.
For stoppage time, Mahrez score again to put Algeria ahead, but Kalajdzic head home just one minute later to snatch draw. Dis na di first time Austria avoid defeat after falling behind after 90 minutes for World Cup.
Di match no be like di ‘Disgrace of Gijon’ for 1982, where West Germany and Austria play to eliminate Algeria. Dis time, both teams play with spirit and intensity, except for di last few minutes before di goals.
Algeria don become di ninth African team to advance. Dem go face Switzerland for Vancouver on Friday. Austria go play Spain for Los Angeles on Thursday. Iran, wey don struggle on and off pitch, go return home.
Di crowd of 69,045 for Arrowhead Stadium enjoy di drama. Many locals dey root for Algeria, wey make dem training base for Lawrence, Kansas. Di friendship between Algeria and di town sweet.
