SANTA CLARA, California — Algeria came from behind to defeat Jordan 2-1 in a FIFA World Cup Group J match on Monday, keeping its hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive while eliminating the tournament debutants from contention, according to FIFA match records and team officials.
Jordan took the lead in the 36th minute through Nizar Al-Rashdan after capitalizing on a defensive mistake, silencing much of the pro-Algerian crowd at Levi’s Stadium. Despite enjoying more possession and creating several opportunities, Algeria went into halftime trailing 1-0.
Algeria increased the pressure after the break and eventually equalized in the 69th minute when substitute Nadhir Benbouali headed home a corner delivered by captain Riyad Mahrez. The North African side continued to push forward and found the winner in the 77th minute when Amine Gouiri scored from close range during a crowded goalmouth sequence.
The victory marked Algeria’s first points of the tournament after a 3-0 defeat to defending champions Argentina in its opening match. Jordan, appearing in its first World Cup finals, suffered a second consecutive loss and was mathematically eliminated from the competition with one group match remaining.
“I don't know if we showed our true face but we played a better game than against Argentina,” Gouiri said after the match. “We conceded a goal but we had the mental resilience and we're gradually gaining strength, and this match will do us a lot of good.”
Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abu Laila expressed disappointment after the result, saying his team had fought hard but was unable to hold its advantage. Reuters reported that the goalkeeper was emotional following the final whistle as Jordan’s World Cup campaign came to an end.
Earlier on Monday, Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in the same group, a result that secured the defending champions a place in the next round. The outcome left Algeria and Austria level on points heading into their final Group J match, while Jordan remained without a point after two games.
Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic restored Mahrez to the starting lineup and handed him the captain’s armband, a decision that proved influential as the veteran winger provided the corner that led to the equalizer.
The final round of Group J matches is scheduled for later this week. Algeria will face Austria in a match likely to determine which team advances to the knockout stage alongside Argentina, while Jordan will conclude its tournament against the South American champions.
