Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has acknowledged the "awkward" nature of his team's 3-3 draw with Austria, a result that allowed both sides to advance to the knockout stage while eliminating Iran. The match, which featured a dramatic finish, has fueled conspiracy theories of collusion reminiscent of the infamous "Disgrace of Gijon" at the 1982 World Cup.
Match drama and record-breaking passes
The game was tied at 2-2 in the closing minutes when Mahrez scored his second goal in stoppage time, putting Algeria ahead and seemingly sending Iran through as one of the best third-placed teams. However, Austria's Sasa Kalajdzic headed in an equalizer moments later, securing a draw that benefited both Algeria and Austria. During a five-minute spell before Mahrez's goal, Algeria completed 110 consecutive passes, setting a new World Cup record.
Conspiracy theories and 'awkward' admission
Social media quickly circulated footage of Algeria's patient passing, with critics suggesting both sides were content with a draw. Mahrez conceded the situation was "awkward." "We were playing wide and they were sitting. But at the last minute someone plays a ball inside and he turns, I have to make the run. I have to respect football and the ball arrive in front of the keeper, I have to score," he said. "I know it's an awkward situation but it's football – I have to respect it. And the good thing is — the good thing for them is they score and they qualify. We both qualify and it's the most important thing today."
Coaches deny collusion
Both managers dismissed any suggestion of an agreement. Austria's Ralf Rangnick said, "In this match, when you have a 3-3, nobody can assume that it was an agreement, especially after what we saw during the last 90 seconds. If, with three minutes to play, somebody had said this would happen, you would have told them they were mad." Algeria's Vladimir Petkovic added, "I'm extremely happy that, at the end, it was football that won, that prevailed — 3-3 as a score says it all."
Comparison to 'Disgrace of Gijon'
Leading journalist Oliver Kay described the second half as the "most insipid" 30 minutes since the 1982 World Cup match between West Germany and Austria, known as the "Disgrace of Gijon." In that game, West Germany won 1-0, a result that ensured both teams advanced while eliminating Algeria. The controversy led FIFA to schedule final group matches simultaneously in future tournaments.
