Fifa has officially decided not to launch an investigation into allegations that the World Cup group stage match between Austria and Algeria was fixed, despite speculation that the result was pre-arranged to benefit both teams.
Some observers suggested the two sides agreed to share the points in their final group encounter in order to secure simultaneous qualification for the round of 16. The match ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, with Austria equalising in the 96th minute, just three minutes after Riyad Mahrez had put Algeria ahead.
That goal, which came after a five-minute move featuring 110 consecutive passes, could have eliminated Austria. The tension nearly boiled over when Marco Arnautović was seen angrily gesturing towards the Algerian bench.
Ultimately, Ralf Rangnick’s Austria finished second in the group, while Algeria advanced in third place. Some commentators argued the result was manipulated, claiming Algeria allowed Austria to score in the final seconds.
Fifa categorically rejected these accusations and expressed no concerns about match manipulation. Rangnick also dismissed the idea, although Mahrez did little to calm the growing speculation when he admitted the ending seemed “strange and suspicious.”
“It was a bit strange, to be honest,” Mahrez, the former Manchester City star, said. “We were playing on the wings and they were dropping back, but in the last minute one of them made a pass, turned around, and I had to react. I have to respect football. The ball came in front of the goalkeeper and I should have scored – I have to try to score. I know the situation is strange, but it’s football and I must respect it. For Austria, the important thing is that they scored and secured their ticket. We both went through, and that’s what matters.”
Austria now face a tough knockout match against European champions Spain, and if they cause an upset, they could later meet Portugal or Croatia. Algeria will take on Switzerland, with a potential quarter-final clash against Argentina if both teams maintain their form.
