‘Absolutely crazy’ – Austria coach Ralf Rangnick reacts to ‘match-fixing’ rumors after thrilling 3-3 tie with Algeria
Austria’s head coach Ralf Rangnick quickly shut down any talk that his team was happy to settle for a draw after their exciting 3-3 tie with Algeria, which sent both teams into the World Cup knockout stages.
The draw meant Austria went through as group runners-up, while Algeria advanced as one of the best third-placed teams — but the game was anything but quiet. Both teams kept pushing hard for a win right up to the final whistle.
Austria first took the lead in the first half with Marko Arnautovic scoring, then Rafik Belghali equalized for Algeria just before halftime. Austria’s Marcel Sabitzer put his team ahead again early in the second half, but Riyad Mahrez soon made it 2-2. Mahrez even scored in stoppage time, looking like he’d win it for Algeria, but Sasa Kalajdzic scored with almost the last kick to save a point for Austria.
Even though the draw worked out well for both sides, Rangnick was clear that neither team had been playing for that result. “When you have a 3-3 game, nobody can think there was any deal, especially after what happened in the last minute,” he said.
“I’ve coached for about 40 years, and I can’t remember a match as dramatic or full of surprises as this one. Most expected a low-scoring game, but instead it ended 3-3. It’s incredible. The dressing room was buzzing. If Alfred Hitchcock had written this, I’d say he went over the top!”
Rangnick also pointed to the frantic end of the match as proof that both teams wanted to win. “Anyone who watched the last 15 minutes knows no one was thinking of just taking a draw. They wanted a win. Nobody plans to score a goal in the 93rd minute if they’re happy with a draw.”
Austria now face a tough round-of-32 match against Spain, while Algeria will take on Switzerland. Despite the challenges ahead, Rangnick believes his team can stand up to anyone. “You saw that in the final moments. Who would have thought Turkey would be out after just two games?
“We’re really happy to have made it through what I believe was the toughest group and to finish second. It wasn’t easy at all. I feel relieved, amazed, and happy. I still can’t believe it—I need to pinch myself to be sure it’s real!”