Algeria snatch late winner from corners to deny Jordan and revive World Cup last-32 hopes

Algeria overturned a first-half deficit to beat Jordan 2-1 in Santa Clara on Wednesday, with both decisive goals arriving from corners as the North Africans kept their FIFA World Cup last-32 ambitions intact.

Nizar Al Rashdan gave Jordan the lead after 35 minutes, his shot finding the bottom corner via a defender’s heel and the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Luca Zidane after a pullback worked its way through a miskick. Jordan, playing their first-ever World Cup, appeared content to defend the advantage and protect what would have been a historic result.

Algeria dominated possession throughout and pressed hard in the second period, with Ibrahim Maza providing the most consistent threat going forward. Riyad Mahrez, restored to the starting line-up, had a golden opportunity in the first half but could not get into a shooting position, and also saw a strike smothered by Yazeed Abulaila.

The equaliser finally arrived on 68 minutes when substitute Nadhir Benobuali rose highest to head home a Mahrez corner. Algeria then completed the turnaround when Amine Gouiri prodded home from close range after another header from a corner, with VAR confirming he was onside.

The result eliminates Jordan from the tournament and sets up a straight fight between Algeria and Austria to determine who finishes second in Group J behind Argentina.