Algeria v Austria - World Cup result as stoppage-time Sasa Kalajdzic equaliser sees both sides through to last 32 after Riyad Mahrez heroics

A game that neither side needed to win turned out to be a scintillatingly open match between the second-best sides in Group L, as Algeria and Austria gave a memorable end to the World Cup group stage.

Each side scored one goal apiece in the first half and two each in the second, sufficient to send both sailing into the knockout phase of the World Cup.

Algeria, having gone behind twice, looked to have scored the winner from Riyad Mahrez in the third minute of second-half stoppage-time.

A reeling Austria had time for a last-ditch attack, though. Marcel Sabitzer sprinted down the left and launched a cross into the middle. Michael Gregoritsch nodded it back across goal, and Sasa Kalajdzic latched on to it to head home a game- and tournament-saving equaliser.   

Austria had opened the scoring immediately after the first-half hydration break. A long ball over the top from centre-half David Alaba found Marko Arnautovic in acres of space. The veteran striker brought the ball down well, and scrambled the ball past Algeria’s Oussama Benbot, with the defence reeling.

Algeria kept their heads and continued to play creative football, looking to open up the Austria back line and find an equaliser.

The leveller came just before the break - unsurprisingly, but in surprising circumstances. A bounce off the corner flag was leapt on by Mahrez, who played in Rafik Belghali. Belghali faked and flicked and beat three men before smashing the ball into the roof of the net at the near post.

On the ball, the North Africans were brilliant, but lacking in defence, and allowed Austria to retake the lead ten minutes into the second half.

Laimer picked up the ball on the right, made himself some space and played the perfect ball into the feet of Sabitzer in the middle. Sabitzer's shot with the side of his right foot was powerful and accurate and the 'keeper had no chance.

Austria’s second lead lasted just five minutes. Houssam Aouar picked up the ball in space on the left and charged with it into the middle.

From the byline he picked out the onrushing run of Mahrez, who slotted superbly into the bottom right-hand corner.

After the second hydration break, the game eased, with both sides seemingly content with the draw that would see them through in second and third place.

Algeria held onto the ball and passed it back and forth across the middle, as Austria sat back. Suddenly, in the third minute of stoppage time, space opened up in the middle.

Aouar again found Mahrez, who pulled away from his marker and stroked the ball low and left. Austria looked crestfallen, and seemed sure to be heading home.

They found an equaliser with the last throw of the dice. Sabitzer set up an inviting cross from the left which Gregoritsch headed back to Sasa Kalajdzic, who nodded hope to keep Austrian hopes alive. 

The European side finished the group in second and will play Spain on Thursday evening in LA. Algeria, as one of the best third-placed sides, go to Vancouver to see if they can get past Switzerland on Friday morning.

What a game of football. Algeria looked to have nicked it, but Austria dug deep and found something in the final moments of the game. Both sides through by the skin of their teeth.

What on earth is going on. With seemingly the last attack of the game, Austria break down the left. A fine cross goes all the way over the goal, and is headed back by Gregoritsch into the path of Sasa Kalajdzic, who makes no mistake. Remarkable.

Heartbreak for Austria. They were just passing the ball about and suddenly space opened up in the middle. Aouar finds Mahrez again who pulls away from his marker and strokes the ball into the bottom left corner.

And then both teams can relax. Even more than they have already.

300 in the second half, compared to 172 for Austria.

This pretense that has enveloped the game could have been the whole story, but it very much hasn't been. Still time for a twist in the tale, too. I'm not sure when Austria last enjoyed a spell of possession.

Four of them lined up to perhaps go direct, but they choose to pass it, and eventually it comes to nothing. It was probably a bit too far out to go direct.

And he's away into the box. A moment's panic and Austria are able to do enough to dispossess him.

Ten minutes plus added time before sets of fans can go home happy. Unless Algeria can find a way through. They continue to pass the ball from side to side. Austria look very organized in their shape.

A touch vulnerable off the ball, but nonetheless.

The Man City man offers a few new creative options for Algeria.

Goalscorer Belghali, plus Jaouen Hadjam and Amine Gouriri coming off, Samir Chergui, Rayan Ait-Nouriri and Zineddine Belaid to close out the game.

Will we see a cagier affair when we resume?

And his 20 yard shot wasn't far from the top right corner.

They could have played out a draw, but instead we have a scintillating match that's the consequence of two top teams going for broke.

That didn't take long! Houssam Aouar ran the ball wonderfully down the left side and into the middle, where he picked out the run of Riyad Mahrez who slots it superbly into the bottom right hand corner.

Where did that come from? Laimer picked up the ball on the right, made himself some space and played the perfect ball into the feet of Marcel Sabitzer in the middle. Sabitzer's shot with the side of his right foot was powerful and accurate and the keeper had no chance. Algeria are chasing once again.

And Algeria are in no rush to bring the ball forward. There's no question both would like to win, but they'd rather not lose.

Iran will be missing out. Currently Austria are due to play Spain in Los Angeles on Thursday, while Algeria will be heading to Vancouver for a last 32 match-up with Switzerland, early on Friday morning.