Mahrez’s “awkward” admission fuels Austria–Algeria conspiracy storm

Algerian star Riyad Mahrez has raised eyebrows with an “awkward” admission that has World Cup conspiracy theorists crying foul. The dust has only just settled on one of the most dramatic matches in World Cup history, but the fallout may continue for a long time after the hopes of three nations were settled in a wild finish. Austria and Algeria played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in what amounted to a win-win result, allowing both teams to advance to the knockout round, and eliminate Iran,

who would have progressed had either team won. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow The game was tied at 2-2 in the closing minutes, and Algeria looked as if they were content to run out the clock, when captain Mahrez scored his second goal with about a minute left in stoppage time. That put Austria on the verge of elimination, only for Sasa Kalajdzic to head in the equalising goal moments later and rescue Das Team’s World Cup hopes. Meanwhile, Iran

were watching on, hoping for any result other than a draw, which would have sent them through to the next round as one of the best third-placed sides. They had one foot in the knockout stages when Mahrez scored, only to be left heartbroken when Austria found the equaliser. Conspiracy theorists immediately raised the possibility of collusion given there was little attacks in the final 25 minutes as both sides seemed happy to play out the draw. Footage of the Algerians passing the ball from

side to side quickly went viral on social media. Algeria made 110 consecutive passes in a five-minute spell before Mahrez scored, a new World Cup record that is unlikely to ever be broken. There was controversy on the touchline as well with both benches involved in a fiery exchange after Mahrez’s goal with many suggesting that showed proof there was an agreement between the two sides. Other fans suggest Austria were allowed to score far too easily at the death, with a goal that was

actually beneficial for both sides. Had Algeria won the game then they would have advanced to a knockout match against Spain, rather than Switzerland. That explains why celebrations from Algerian players were almost muted when Mahrez scored. Mahrez conceded it was an “awkward” situation, adding that it was “good” that the match ended in a draw. “It was a bit awkward to be honest,” Mahrez said after the game. “We were playing wide and they were sitting. But at the last minute someone plays a

ball inside and he turns, I have to make the run. “I have to respect football and the ball arrive in front of the keeper, I have to score. I have to try to score. “Like they try to score, they were in front. They were winning 2-1. I know it’s an awkward situation but it’s football – I have to respect it. “And the good thing is — the good thing for them is they score and they qualify. We both qualify and it’s

the most important thing today.” Both coaches were quick to distance themselves of any collusion tactics, pointing to the final three minutes as proof. “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,” Austria boss Ralf Rangnick said. “If, with three minutes to play, somebody had said this would happen, you would have told them they were mad. “I’ve been a coach for about 40 years and I

don’t even remember a match that had such a dramatic course and such an unexpected trajectory. “Most people anticipated a 0-0 or 1-1, and now it’s 3-3. It’s incredible — the dressing room is madness. If Alfred Hitchcock had written such a drama, I probably would have said he was completely mad.” Algeria manager Vladimir Petkovic also said football was the winner. “I’m extremely happy that, at the end, it was football that won, that prevailed — 3-3 as a score says it all,” he

added. Leading journalist Oliver Kay said the majority of the second half was the “most insipid” 30 minutes of football since the “Disgrace of Gijon” at the 1982 World Cup, which coincidentally featured Austria and Algeria and is often regarded as the the most controversial match in history. Disgrace of Gijon The match goes down in World Cup infamy as West Germany defeated Austria 1-0 in a result that guaranteed both nations progressed to the next round. Algeria had played their final group game the

previous day, unable to defeat Chile by a four-goal margin that would have seen them qualify no matter what. The 3-2 victory moved Algeria up to second place on four points, behind Austria on goal difference, while West Germany were in third place on two points. That meant that going into the final match between West Germany and Austria, the two nations knew that a West Germany victory by fewer than two goals would guarantee both teams progressed to the knockout round. The Germans scored

an early goal to take the lead before both teams seemed happy to play out the result. There was next to no attacking as both sides just passed it around their defence before launching long balls to little consequence. The match was widely condemned by the football world. Commentators refused to call the match and encouraged viewers to turn off. The local newspaper in Spain printed the match report in the crime section. The only good thing to come out of the match was FIFA

changing the schedule in future tournaments to ensure the final group games in each group are played simultaneously.

Riyad Mahrez, Austria vs Algeria, 3-3 draw, Sasa Kalajdzic, World Cup conspiracy theories, Iran eliminated, Ralf Rangnick, Vladimir Petkovic, Disgrace of Gijon, Austria Algeria match