Austria coach Ralf Rangnick is acutely aware of what his side need when they face Algeria tomorrow in one of the longest-held grudge matches in World Cup history.
The North Africans have never forgotten the ‘Disgrace of Gijon’ when, in the 1982 World Cup, Austria and West Germany played for over an hour with the score at 1-0 to the Germans with little intention of scoring as that result saw both teams qualify at the expense of Algeria.
The irony is a draw for both teams 44 years later would likely see them both advance.
Rangnick said: “It is certainly an advantage that, at the beginning of the game, we already know exactly which result we need.
“We have to make sure in the last game that we are definitely there when it goes into the knockout phase. Then in the end it doesn’t matter who we come up against.”
Rangnick is partially correct but there is an additional sub-plot that means his team would arguably be better suffering a narrow loss in order to finish third in the group.
The second-placed finisher will almost certainly play European champions Spain in the round of 32 and it may be better to secure a best third-placed finisher spot and take your chance against potentially weaker opposition.
Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic refused to get into the weeds of potential scenarios but did admit after the win over Jordan: “I think ultimately we’ve produced two good performances. We deserve to win this game, and it certainly gives us a lot of confidence and belief ahead of our next match.
“What mattered for us was to win this match, to stay in the hunt, to make it through to the knockout stage, and ultimately to have our fate in our own hands. Nothing has yet been decided, but we’re in a good position.”
| P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS | |
| Argentina | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 6 |
| Austria | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Algeria | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 3 |
| Jordan | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 0 |
World Cup 2026: Algeria v Austria team news
Algeria are still without forward Mohamed Amoura due to the hamstring injury he sustained against Argentina.
Austria may recall veteran attacker Marko Arnautovic.
