Two goals in the final twenty minutes have thrown Algeria a lifeline in Group J of the World Cup, currently taking place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Following a 3-0 opening day defeat inflicted by Argentina, Algeria bounced back with a 2-1 win over Jordan during Monday’s second group game in Santa Clara, near San Francisco.
Despite trailing for over an hour, the Fennecs, managed by Vladimir Petkovic, mounted a successful comeback. They capitalised on their dominance through two set-pieces, converted by Nadhir Benbouali in the 69th minute and Amine Gouiri in the 82nd minute.
World Cup debutants Jordan had initially broken the deadlock in the 36th minute courtesy of a goal from Nizar Al-Rashdan.
With this crucial win, Algeria moves a step closer to the knockout stages. On Saturday in Kansas City, they will battle for second place in the group against Austria, who suffered a 2-0 loss earlier against Argentina after a Lionel Messi brace.
Having endured two consecutive losses, the Jordanian team, led by Moroccan coach Jamal Sellami, has been mathematically eliminated from the tournament.
In Group J, Argentina lead the standings with six points and have already secured a spot in the round of 32.
Austria sits in second place with three points, ahead of Algeria (three points) on goal difference, while Jordan are nestled at the bottom of the group with zero points.
Next Saturday, the Algerians could book a spot in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 2014, when they were eliminated after extra time by Germany (2-1).
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