Austria return to World Cup with 3-1 win over Jordan
Austria opened Group J with a 3-1 victory in Santa Clara as Jordan made their first World Cup appearance.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
2 min read
Austria began their first World Cup campaign in 28 years with a 3-1 win over Jordan in Group J on Tuesday, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. The result gave Austria three points in Santa Clara, while Jordan’s tournament debut ended in defeat.
Al Jazeera and Reuters reported that the match was played at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Austria moved into second place in the group after the win, behind defending champion Argentina.
Austria strike first, Jordan respond
Romano Schmid put Austria ahead in the 20th minute, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. The report described the finish as a powerful strike that gave Austria control during the first half.
Jordan answered five minutes after halftime through Ali Olwan, Al Jazeera and Reuters reported. The striker found room inside the area and drove a shot inside the far post to make it 1-1.
The equalizer left Austria facing pressure in a match that carried added weight for both sides, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. Austria were returning to the World Cup after a long absence, while Jordan were playing at the tournament for the first time.
VAR denies Arnautovic before late goals
Marko Arnautovic thought he had restored Austria’s lead in the 69th minute, Al Jazeera and Reuters reported. His close-range effort from a scramble near goal was disallowed after a VAR review because teammate Stefan Posch was judged to have handled the ball.
Austria did go back in front seven minutes later, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. A corner from Marcel Sabitzer was diverted into Jordan’s net by Yazan Al-Arab for an own goal.
Arnautovic then sealed the match deep into stoppage time, Al Jazeera and Reuters reported. Saleem Obeid was penalized for handball, and Arnautovic converted the penalty in the 12th minute of added time for Austria’s third goal.
Group J table takes early shape
The win placed Austria behind Argentina in Group J, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. Argentina led the group after a 3-0 victory over Algeria earlier Tuesday, a match in which Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick.
Jordan sat third after the opening round of Group J matches, with Algeria bottom, Al Jazeera and Reuters reported. Austria’s next matches will determine whether their return to the World Cup can extend beyond a tense but successful opener.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.