The euphoria from Austria's bizarre 3-3 draw against Algeria has subsided, and the national football team returned to their team camp in Santa Barbara on Sunday instead of heading home after a dramatic group-stage finale. The ÖFB side arrives in California with a huge sigh of relief, now preparing to face European champions Spain in the World Cup round of 16 on Thursday at 21:00 CEST (ServusTV).
The Crazy Thriller in Kansas City
The strange thriller in Kansas City has instantly burned itself into the collective memory of Austrian football. No wonder, given the absurdity of what happened. After minutes of ball-shielding by the Algerians, Austria fell into the trap, and veteran star Riyad Mahrez scored the go-ahead goal in the 93rd minute. That goal did not please all Algerian fans, as seen on social media. The younger generation was already facing a duel with the heavily favored Spaniards and breathed a sigh of relief when Sasa Kalajdzic secured Austria's encounter with Spain (96th minute).
Other Algerian fans would have enjoyed revenge for the "Shame of Gijon", the non-aggression pact between Germany and Austria in 1982 that eliminated Algeria. Coach Vladimir Petkovic apparently also enjoyed it, as videos showed his coaching staff engaging in a verbal altercation with Marko Arnautovic on the touchline. In the end, everyone celebrated, and that fit this group final, where a draw sufficed for both teams to advance—something not unnoticed in certain possession phases. Why Algeria broke ranks remains a matter of speculation.
Rangnick: "It Gives Us Even More Strength"
Team boss Ralf Rangnick also could not explain it. In an ORF interview on Sunday, he said: "What really happened, also in the minds? Maybe Mahrez wanted to become a national hero again in Algeria, I don't know. I think it gave us even more strength. If I had the choice now, looking back, we had played 2-2 or what happened now, 3-3, I would also choose the second option." His team did not give up and managed to equalize. They even missed two chances, with Philipp Lienhart blasting the ball over the bar earlier. But Rangnick's ingrained mentality over the years paid off in one particular moment: Paul Wanner played the ball on the left side to Marcel Sabitzer, who, under sweltering conditions, sprinted one last time, delivered a sensational cross with his weaker left foot, Michael Gregoritsch perfectly headed it back, and Kalajdzic finished.
Rangnick described the climax: "If we replay that scene 100,000 times without opponents, we would never repeat that exact sequence again." It was an early birthday present for the German, who turned 68 on Monday. The nearly eliminated fate was written all over Rangnick's face. "I think it was in our heads for at least 60 seconds. I think we were all in shock, the players on the pitch, everyone on the bench. But even more remarkable is that the team did not hang their heads but actually managed the equalizer," the coach emphasized.
A Historic Achievement
Unimaginable what the situation would have been without Kalajdzic's goal. After so much financial investment, including luxury accommodation and a huge staff, being one of the 16 teams to leave after the group stage would have tarnished Rangnick's image, especially after his celebrated contract extension with a salary doubling. Now Austria's team can only win, especially against upcoming opponent Spain. After a free Monday, the countdown began for Austria's first knockout match at a World Cup in 72 years, since the 1954 tournament in Switzerland.
The favorite role could not be clearer after the group stage. Although Spain did not shine, starting with a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, they then defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0 and Uruguay 1-0, winning their group without conceding a goal. The reigning European champions, who won their third title in 2024 with a dominant style, and the world's third-ranked team have left plenty of room for improvement. "They haven't lost in a long time, we have to look far back," said Rangnick. In the 2025 Nations League final, they lost on penalties to Portugal, and before that a friendly loss to Colombia in 2024. "But of course, we will analyze: How can we hurt them, where are they possibly vulnerable? And then align our own match plan accordingly," said Rangnick, who must fix his defense after conceding six goals in the group stage.
Players Excited for the Challenge
Kalajdzic said on Sunday: "For me, they are one of the tournament favorites. If we don't go to our limits and maybe have a bit of luck, it will be difficult. But I think the team has already shown a lot. We take these emotions with us and try to convert them into strength and energy." Xaver Schlager added in Kansas City: "It is known what awaits us with Spain. The European champions, top players, a world-class team, possession football without end. Yes, it will be very, very difficult. But that's why we are in this tournament—to play against such teams." His namesake Alexander Schlager called the upcoming duel "fantastic. It's great, we play in Los Angeles in a really cool stadium." After turbulent mandatory tasks, they are back in the comfortable underdog role, similar to the 2-0 loss against Argentina. "We can take from that that it is absolutely possible to get something against opponents who are 'high ends' in football," said Schlager, especially after such a physical effort in Kansas City.
The team knows that facing Spain at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles will be a monumental task. The Spaniards boast a young star in Lamine Yamal, who at 18 has already become a key player for both club and country. Their midfield, anchored by Rodri and Pedri, controls possession with exceptional precision, while the defense, led by Laporte, has been impregnable so far. Austria will rely on the same resilience that brought them back from the brink against Algeria. The match promises to be a test of Austria's newfound mental fortitude against a team that rarely makes mistakes.
Historically, Austria's best World Cup performance came in 1954 when they finished third. That team eliminated Spain in the group stage with a 5-0 victory. But that was 72 years ago. Since then, Austria has missed most tournaments and only returned to the World Cup in 1998 and now 2026. The current generation, under Rangnick, has revived the nation's hopes with a high-pressing, attacking style. The 3-3 draw showed both the strengths and weaknesses of that approach: defensive lapses but an unyielding spirit. Spain will likely punish any errors, but Austria's players believe they can spring a surprise. As Schlager noted, they have already proven that against Argentina earlier in the group stage, where they held their own before losing 2-0.
The game also carries a personal subplot: Rangnick faces his countrymen, having spent much of his career in Germany. But he has fully embraced the Austrian project. "We are not going there to just defend. We want to play football, to press them, to create chances. If we succeed, we have a chance," he said. The preparation will be intensive, focusing on recovering from the emotional and physical drain of the Algeria match. The team will also study Spain's set pieces and counter-pressing schemes, areas where Austria might find gaps.
For the fans, this is a dream come true. Thousands of Austrians are expected in Los Angeles, hoping to witness a historic upset. The SoFi Stadium, home to the NFL's Rams and Chargers, will host the match, providing a glamorous setting for what could be the defining moment of Austrian football in decades. The team is aware of the occasion. "We are representing a whole country. We want to make them proud," said captain David Alaba, who remains a key figure despite injury struggles. Alaba's experience and leadership will be crucial in organizing the defense against Spain's varied attacks. With the momentum from the dramatic draw, Austria aims to turn a miracle into a memory.
Source: sport.ORF.at News