Algeria mounted a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat Jordan 2-1 on June 22, knocking the World Cup debutants out of the tournament in the group stage. Goals from Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri turned the match around after Algeria suffered a 0-3 defeat to Argentina in their opening game.
Jordan took the lead in the 36th minute through Nizar Al-Rashdan, following a clever combination and a stroke of luck after Algerian midfielder Ramiz Zerrouki lost possession. However, coach Vladimir Petkovic made astute adjustments, introducing Nabil Bentaleb and Nadhir Benbouali at the start of the second half.
In the 69th minute, from a Riyad Mahrez corner, Benbouali rose high to head the ball into Jordan's net, leveling the score at 1-1. Just eight minutes later, Algeria scored their second from another set piece: Anis Hadj Moussa took the corner, the ball deflected off Al-Rashdan, allowing Gouiri to tap in and secure a 2-1 victory.
The win gave Algeria three points, tying them with Austria in Group J, and ensured Argentina advanced as group leaders after they defeated Austria 2-0 earlier the same day.
For Jordan, this was their first World Cup appearance, but they exited at the group stage after two consecutive losses (1-3 to Austria and 1-2 to Algeria).
In the final group match, Algeria will face Austria on June 26 in Kansas City, a game laden with historical significance as it recalls the 'Disgrace of Gijón' in 1982, when Austria and West Germany were suspected of colluding to eliminate Algeria. Meanwhile, Jordan will take on Argentina, whose star Lionel Messi has scored five goals in this World Cup.
