Algeria looking to reach knockout stages for just the second time at the World Cup
Austria aiming to progress out of the group stage for the first time since 1982
Recommended bet: Draw @ 11/10 with LiveScore Bet
Algeria know that a win over Austria will see them into the knockout stages as runners-up in Group J.
The North Africans have only ever reached the knockout stages of the tournament once before and that came in Brazil 12 years ago.
For Austria, you have to go all the way back to 1982 for the last time they made it into the second round.
Ralf Rangnick’s men did seal their first World Cup win since 1990 against Jordan on matchday one, and a draw will seal second place.
See the latest Algeria vs Austria odds on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Vladimir Petkovic has been dealt a major blow ahead of the final group game, as Mohamed Amoura will be missing for the clash due to an injury he picked up in the defeat to Argentina.
Rangnick has no such injury worries, yet he could make a few tweaks to his starting XI for this crunch match.
Marko Arnautovic could be set to start, having made substitute appearances in both matches during the competition including when scoring in the victory over Jordan.
The stats
These two nations met during the 1982 World Cup. Austria sealed a 2-0 win on that occasion, yet it was the events a few days later which suggest there might be some tension when they meet again.
Back then, Algeria had to watch West Germany secure a 1-0 win over the Austrians in the final group stage game, with the result benefitting both the European sides, who progressed to the second group stage at the expense of the Africans and, thus, the Disgrace of Gijón was born.
Both teams have scored in just one of Algeria’s eight matches, whereas three of Austria’s previous six matches have seen both teams finding the net.
Algeria have won just one of their nine World Cup matches against European opposition.
Marko Arnautovic extended his record as Austria’s top scorer by scoring against Jordan, which was his 48th international goal.
Riyad Mahrez made his 118th international appearance for Algeria in their victory over Jordan.
See the latest Algeria vs Austria odds on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Whoever finishes second in this group will likely face Spain in the last 32. A daunting prospect to say the least.
Both teams enter the game having won three of their last four matches, suffering defeat only to Argentina in this competition.
Both sides have goals in them and a scoring stalemate could ensue, a result which secures Austria second in the group, with Algeria more than likely finishing as one of the best third-place teams if they can take a point here.
Score prediction: Algeria 1–1 Austria
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