The result that shook the World Cup

Algeria and Austria played out a wild 3-3 draw in their final Group J match on Sunday, a result that sent both teams into the knockout rounds — and eliminated Iran.

The match produced five goals in the second half and two injury-time strikes. It immediately drew comparisons to one of football’s most infamous games: the 1982 “Disgrace of Gijon.”

What was the Disgrace of Gijon?

At the 1982 World Cup in Spain, West Germany beat Austria 1-0 in a final group match. That exact scoreline sent both teams through and knocked out Algeria.

The problem? Both teams appeared to stop trying after the goal went in, knowing the result suited them perfectly. The game became a symbol of match-fixing in football.

Fast forward 44 years, and the same two nations met again with almost identical stakes — a draw would send both Algeria and Austria through at Iran’s expense.

What happened in the match?

Here is how the drama unfolded:

  • 28th minute — Marko Arnautovic scores to give Austria a 1-0 lead
  • 45th minute — Rafik Belghali equalizes for Algeria
  • 55th minute — Marcel Sabitzer restores Austria’s lead at 2-1
  • 60th minute — Riyad Mahrez levels again at 2-2
  • 93rd minute — Mahrez scores again to make it 3-2, which would have sent Austria out and Iran through
  • 96th minute — Sasa Kalajdzic heads in a dramatic equalizer to make it 3-3

That final goal in the 96th minute is what sent both teams through and eliminated Iran.

The conspiracy theories

Iranian fans were furious. Many called on FIFA to investigate the match, and clips circulated online showing:

  • Austria’s players allegedly “strolling around” at 2-2, not pushing for a winner
  • A confrontation between the two benches after Mahrez’s late goal, with some claiming it showed frustration that the draw had been disrupted
  • Video of Algeria’s Aissa Mandi covering his mouth while speaking to Mahrez, who looked confused

Some fans called it “the most scripted match I’ve ever seen” and “a scandal.”

What the managers said

Austria boss Ralf Rangnick was having none of it.

“If Alfred Hitchcock had written such a drama, I probably would have said he was completely mad. Most people anticipated a 0-0 or 1-1, and now it’s 3-3. It’s incredible.”

He added: “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.”

Algeria manager Vladimir Petkovic also dismissed the theories: “I’m extremely happy that, at the end, it was football that won, that prevailed. 3-3 as a score says it all.”

What’s next?

  • Austria face Spain in the last 32 in Los Angeles on Thursday, 2 July
  • Algeria take on Switzerland in Vancouver on Friday, 3 July
  • Iran are eliminated from the World Cup

Whether you believe the conspiracy theories or not, one thing is certain: this match will be talked about for decades, just like the original Disgrace of Gijon.