Algeria rallies from behind in San Francisco to defeat Jordan and revive its hopes of reaching the Round of 32. Vladimir Petković’s side now shares second place in Group J with Austria ahead of a decisive final matchday.
Algeria kept its World Cup dream alive on Monday night, coming from behind to beat Jordan 2-1 in a crucial Group J encounter in San Francisco.
After suffering defeat in its opening match, Vladimir Petković’s team desperately needed a positive result to remain in contention for a place in the knockout rounds. Despite falling behind late in the first half, the Desert Foxes showed resilience and quality after the break, overturning the deficit through goals from Monsef Benbouali and Amine Gouiri.
Jordan started brightly and looked comfortable for long stretches of the opening period. Jamal Sellami’s side was rewarded in the 36th minute when midfielder Nizar Al Rashdan found space on the edge of the box and beat goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja Zidane with a precise finish to give the Jordanians a deserved lead.
Algeria struggled to create clear-cut opportunities before halftime, with Riyad Mahrez closely marked and Amine Gouiri often isolated up front. Petković responded decisively at the interval, introducing Nabil Bentaleb and Monsef Benbouali to inject energy into midfield and attack.
The substitutions immediately changed the rhythm of the game. Algeria pushed higher up the field, controlled possession and finally found an equalizer in the 68th minute when Benbouali converted from close range after sustained pressure inside Jordan’s penalty area.
With momentum fully on their side, the North Africans continued to attack in search of a winner. Their persistence paid off eight minutes from time. Gouiri collected the ball in the box and calmly finished to complete the comeback and send Algerian supporters into celebration.
The victory lifts Algeria to three points, level with Austria in second place behind already-qualified Argentina. The final group-stage match promises to be dramatic, as Algeria faces the Albiceleste while Austria takes on a Jordan side that has already been eliminated after two consecutive defeats.
Petković’s team now knows that another positive result against the defending champions could be enough to extend its stay in North America.
Match Report
Jordan 1-2 Algeria
Jordan (4-3-3): Abulaila; Nasib, Alarab, Abudahab (90+1′ Obaid), Haddad; Al Rawabdeh, Abu Taha (84′ Abuhasheesh), Al Rashdan; Olwan (90+1′ Abuzraiq), Al Tamari (84′ Azaizeh), Al Mardi (76′ Fakhoury).
Coach: Jamal Sellami.
Algeria (4-4-2): Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Aït-Nouri (85′ Hadjam); Zerrouki (46′ Bentaleb), Chaïbi, Boudaoui (46′ Benbouali), Maza; Mahrez (76′ Hadj Moussa), Gouiri (86′ Belaïd).
Coach: Vladimir Petković.
Referee: Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia).
Goals: 36′ Al Rashdan (Jordan), 68′ Benbouali (Algeria), 82′ Gouiri (Algeria).
Bookings: None reported.
Red Cards: None.
Venue: San Francisco.
