Santa Clara (California) [US], June 24: Algeria came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory against Jordan and eliminate the debutants from the World Cup on Monday.
Jordan were hopeful to win their first-ever World Cup match after they took the lead in the 36th minute.
Mousa Al Tamari couldn't collect a cross but the ball found Nizar Al Rashdan, who smashed it into the net.
But Algeria hit back in the second half and equalized in the 69th as Nadhir Benbouali rose to meet Riyad Mahrez's corner and head the ball into the goal.
They completed the turnaround in the 82nd, again from a corner. The ball was loose after a header but Amine Gouri recovered it and tapped home for the winner.
"It was a very hard game. They were leading 1-0 but we had the upper-hand the whole game, that was my feeling," Algeria midfielder Ibrahim Maza said.
"We spoke during half-time that we had to do even more but be patient still. Then we scored two nice goals and we won the game. We're very happy."
Argentina top Group J with six points after they defeated Austria 2-0 earlier with two goals for Lionel Messi - who is now the all-time World Cup top scorer on 18.
Algeria are third but tied on three points with second-placed Austria, whom they face in the final group stage match on Saturday.
Jordan will say farewell to the tournament against Argentina.
"The three points help us for the next game, it will give us confidence," Maza said.
For Jordan, FIFA's move to head-to-heads rather than goal difference to decide group tables has punished them.
Even though third place might be enough for the expanded last 32, Jordan can only finish fourth and bottom having lost to Austria and Algeria.
Finishing level on points with either of them will do no good.
"Today's match has also given us confidence and, God willing, the belief that we can be at our best in the next game and leave a good impression of Jordanian football," coach Jamal Sellami said.
Source: Qatar Tribune
