Switzerland progressed to the last 16 of the World Cup as they beat a below-par Algeria 2-0 in Vancouver. Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye were on target for Switzerland, who dominated throughout to set up a clash with Colombia or Ghana. Ramiz Zerrouki had an early penalty appeal waved away for Algeria and that was as good as it got for the African side as Switzerland went ahead after 10 minutes.
Read more
Austria and Algeria played out an incredible 3-3 draw in Kansas City, both sides progressing to the knockout phase thanks to a last-gasp score from Austrian substitute Sasa Kalajdzic. There was some concern ahead of kick-off that there would be little competitive action on the pitch, with a draw guaranteeing both sides a spot in the last 32. Those fears were extinguished in the early stages, which featured end-to-end action before Austria opened the scoring in the 27th minute through Marko Arnautovic.
Read more
Two second-half goals from corners saw Algeria come from behind to beat Jordan 2-1 and keep their hopes of reaching the World Cup last 32 alive. Nadhir Benobuali and Amine Gouiri grabbed the decisive goals in Santa Clara after Nizar Al Rashdan’s opener for Jordan, setting up a clash with Austria to decide who finishes second behind Argentina in Group J.
Read more
Lionel Messi equalled Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals with a hat-trick as Argentina began their title defence with a 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City. Messi’s second took him level with Brazil great Ronaldo on 15 goals across his six World Cup appearances. He was denied in a one-on-one by Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane and had a penalty appeal turned down before joining Germany’s Klose in a share of the record.
Read more
Defending champions Algeria crashed out of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-1 defeat against Ivory Coast in Douala. Needing a win to stay alive, Algeria trailed by two goals at the break after Franke Kessie capped off a fine move and Ibrahim Sangare headed home.
Read more