Austria, Algeria Reject Draw Talk Before 3-Point Group J Decider as Spain Looms
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jun 27
Austria, Algeria Reject Draw Talk Before 3-Point Group J Decider as Spain Looms
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jun 27
Summary
Austria and Algeria said they will play to win Saturday’s Group J finale, even though a draw would almost certainly send both into the knockout stage.
Group J’s runner-up is likely to face Spain, while the third-place finisher would instead meet Switzerland, creating speculation that avoiding victory could produce an easier path.
Austria and Algeria both have 3 points after losing to Argentina and beating eliminated Jordan; Austria currently holds second place on goal difference, while Algeria need a win to move above them.
The matchup also revives memories of the 1982 'Disgrace of Gijon,' when West Germany’s 1-0 win over Austria eliminated Algeria and prompted FIFA to adopt simultaneous final group kickoffs.