Kalajdzic heads last-second equaliser to keep Austria alive in 3-3 thriller with Algeria

Substitute Sasa Kalajdzic rescued Austria with a header in the final seconds of a breathless 3-3 draw against Algeria in Kansas City, securing a place in the World Cup last 32 for both sides and ending Iran’s tournament.

The match had been flagged as a potential dead rubber before kick-off, with a draw enough to advance both teams. Instead, it produced six goals and a frantic finish that left the Austrian supporters in the stands in raptures.

Austria drew first blood in the 27th minute when Marko Arnautovic latched onto a deep through ball and finished on the volley. Algeria levelled against the run of play when Rafik Belghali beat two defenders with a shot fake, shifted to his left foot, and fired past goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.

Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria’s lead at the start of the second half with a thunderous strike from the edge of the box, only for Riyad Mahrez to equalise almost immediately, converting a cutback pass from Houssem Aouar.

Both sides appeared to settle for the point that would see them through — until deep into stoppage time, when a precise passing move found Mahrez in space once more. The Algeria forward collected his second of the night, stunning the Austrian defence and suddenly leaving their World Cup survival in the balance.

With elimination looming, Austria threw everything forward. Wolves striker Kalajdzic, introduced from the bench, met a wide cross with a firm header in the last seconds of the game to make it 3-3, sparking wild celebrations and confirming Iran’s exit from the tournament.