Jordan 1-2 Algeria: Al Rashdan 36; Benbouali 69, Gouiri 82
Algeria kept their World Cup hopes alive and sent Jordan crashing out of the tournament with a 2-1 victory in Santa Clara, recovering from a first-half setback through goals from Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri.
After suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to Argentina in their opening Group J match, Vladimir Petkovic’s side knew anything less than victory would leave them on the brink of elimination. A dominant second-half display followed to ensure the Desert Foxes retain hopes of reaching the knockouts ahead of a decisive final group game against Austria.
Jordan, beaten by Austria in their opener, arrived needing a positive result to stay alive and frustrated Algeria for long periods with a disciplined defensive performance and dangerous counterattacks. The tournament newcomers struck first after 36 minutes when Algeria were caught out by their own mistake.
A loose pass in midfield allowed Jordan to break forward and, after Musa Al-Taamari’s effort ricocheted into the path of Nizar Al-Rashdan, the midfielder moved to fire a low first-time shot beyond Luca Zidane and into the bottom corner.
The goal punished Algeria for a wasteful first half in which they had created the better opportunities. Riyad Mahrez, restored to the starting lineup after being left out against Argentina, led much of their attacking play but could not find a breakthrough.
The veteran winger squandered a promising opening after being picked out by a precise Hicham Boudaoui pass and later saw a delicate chipped effort kept out by Yazeed Abulaila. Amine Gouiri and Fares Chaïbi also threatened, but Jordan reached half time with their lead intact.
Petkovic responded by introducing Nabil Bentaleb and Benbouali at half-time, and the changes transformed Algeria’s play. The pressure steadily increased as Jordan retreated deeper, with Ibrahim Maza providing energy and creativity for the African side between the lines.
The equaliser finally arrived in the 69th minute. Mahrez delivered a teasing corner into a crowded penalty area and Benbouali climbed above a cluster of defenders to glance a header beyond Abulaila and into the far corner.
With Jordan struggling to regain possession, Algeria continued to push for the winner and found it eight minutes from time from another set piece. Anis Hadj Moussa’s corner caused chaos inside the six-yard box, a flick-on and deflection leaving the ball loose for Gouiri, who bundled home from close range. A VAR review confirmed the striker had remained onside and Algeria could celebrate.
