Austria secured their first World Cup victory in 36 years with a 3-1 win over tournament newcomers Jordan in a dramatic Group J clash at Levi's Stadium in San Francisco. Goals from Romano Schmid, an own goal by Yazan Al Arab, and a late Marko Arnautovic penalty sealed the points, though Jordan pushed Ralf Rangnick's side all the way.
Match Summary
Austria, competing in their first World Cup since 1998, were given an early scare when Jordan captain Ehsan Haddad fired a volley into the side netting after just 90 seconds. However, it was Austria who struck first in the 21st minute through a stunning long-range effort from Romano Schmid, bending the ball into the top corner. Jordan responded almost immediately as Ali Olwan rattled the crossbar with a glancing header just two minutes later.
The debutants continued to threaten and deservedly levelled early in the second half when Olwan curled a beautiful shot off the inside of the post to score Jordan's first-ever World Cup goal. Austria thought they had restored the lead in the 67th minute when Arnautovic poked home from a corner, but VAR intervened to disallow the goal for a handball by Stefan Posch. The decisive moment arrived in the 76th minute as Al Arab inadvertently deflected a corner into his own net while challenging Arnautovic. The veteran forward then made the game safe in the 12th minute of added time, dispatching a penalty after VAR spotted a handball by Saleem Obaid.
Key Moments
- 2nd minute: Haddad's early volley into the side-netting sets the tone.
- 21st minute: Schmid bends in a wonderful opener from outside the box.
- 22nd minute: Olwan hits the bar with a glancing header.
- 50th minute: Olwan curls in a historic equaliser for Jordan.
- 67th minute: Arnautovic goal disallowed after VAR review for Posch handball.
- 76th minute: Al Arab own goal puts Austria back in front.
- 90+12th minute: Arnautovic penalty seals the win after VAR check.
Analysis: Austria Underwhelm but Find a Way
Despite the win, Austria looked disjointed for large spells against a spirited Jordan side. Rangnick made three halftime substitutions, introducing Arnautovic among others, and the former Stoke City and West Ham United forward's experience proved crucial. The match statistics highlighted the evenness of the contest: both teams registered 11 shots and 4 on target. Austria will need to improve dramatically when they face defending champions Argentina on Monday, especially after Lionel Messi's hat-trick heroics against Algeria.
What's Next
Austria face Argentina on Monday (6pm UK time), while Jordan take on Algeria on Tuesday (4am UK time). Both matches will be crucial in determining the group standings.
Key Takeaways
- Austria's first World Cup win since 1990, ending a 36-year drought.
- Jordan's memorable debut included their first World Cup goal and a fearless performance.
- VAR played a pivotal role, disallowing an Austria goal and awarding a late penalty.
- Marko Arnautovic's introduction at halftime proved decisive with a goal and a penalty.
- Austria must raise their level to compete with Argentina in their next fixture.
Quick Facts
Score: Austria 3–1 Jordan
Goalscorers: Schmid (21'), Olwan (50'), Al Arab OG (76'), Arnautovic pen (90+12')
Shots: Austria 11, Jordan 11
Shots on Target: Austria 4, Jordan 4
Attendance: 68,500 (sold out)
Source: Sky Sports