Algeria rally past Jordan to keep World Cup knockout hopes alive
Reuters reported that Algeria beat Jordan 2-1 in Group J after second-half goals from Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
2 min read
Algeria came from behind to beat Jordan 2-1 on Monday in a World Cup Group J match, Reuters reported. The result kept Algeria in contention for a place in the knockout rounds and ended Jordan’s tournament hopes, according to the news agency.
Jordan led at halftime after Nizar Al-Rashdan scored in the 36th minute, but Algeria reversed the match after the break. Reuters reported that Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri scored within a 13-minute span in the second half to complete the turnaround.
Jordan strike first after holding firm
Reuters described Jordan’s defensive approach as stubborn and organized as Algeria pushed for openings. Algeria had spent much of the match trying to break through before Jordan punished a defensive mistake, the report said.
The opening goal came from a quick Jordan attack after that error, according to Reuters. Al-Rashdan finished the move with a low shot into the corner in the 36th minute, giving Jordan a 1-0 lead.
That goal changed the pressure on Algeria, which needed a response to preserve its hopes of advancing from Group J. Reuters reported that Jordan continued to face waves of Algerian attacks while trying to protect its advantage.
Benbouali and Gouiri turn the match
Algeria’s equalizer arrived in the 69th minute, Reuters reported. Benbouali, who had come on as a substitute, headed in from a corner delivered by Riyad Mahrez.
The goal gave Algeria a way back into a match that had been difficult to open up. Reuters reported that the winning goal followed eight minutes from time, when Gouiri converted from a loose ball.
Gouiri’s finish made it 2-1 and left Jordan with little time to recover. Reuters reported that the result confirmed Jordan’s early exit from the World Cup while Algeria’s hopes of reaching the round of 32 remained alive.
The match turned on Algeria’s late pressure after Jordan had taken control of the scoreline in the first half. Reuters reported that Benbouali’s header and Gouiri’s close-range finish were enough to overturn Al-Rashdan’s opener and decide the Group J contest.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.