Algeria leave it late to snatch victory over Jordan in Group J
In Santa Clara, California, Algeria came from one goal down to defeat Jordan 2-1. The North Africans were forced to dig deep before finally breaking the deadlock in the dying minutes, sealing a 2–1 win that felt more like a survival act than a routine victory.
For long spells, Algeria carried the weight of expectation without reward. Riyad Mahrez was brought back into the starting 11 by Petkovic, while Zerrouki and Boudaoui were trusted to provide cover and creativity in the middle of the park alongside Maza. However, Jordan’s defensive structure held firm, frustrating every attempt to carve them open.
The breakthrough, when it came, belonged to Jordan. A scrappy sequence inside the box in the 36th minute saw Nizar Al-Rashdan react quickest, punishing Algeria’s momentary lapse in concentration. It was a reminder that dominance without sharpness means very little at this World Cup.
Algeria responded by slowing the pace down and not trying to force the issue. They continued to circulate the ball, probing for gaps, stretching Jordan’s back line without ever fully dismantling it. Towards the end of the first stanza, Mahrez, Gouiri and Maza tested the keeper, but Abulails looked unbeatable in the remainder of the half.
Pressure from the Desert Foxes inevitability paid off in the second half. A whipped delivery from Mahrez found second half substitute Nadhir Benbouali, who rose above the defence to level the match at 1–1, 9 minutes past the hour mark. From that point on, Jordan were pushed back.
The final quarter of the match became a siege. Algeria camped in Jordan’s half, recycling possession, loading the box, and increasing the tempo with every passing minute. They met a brave Jordan side that threw bodies in front of shots and cleared danger under relentless pressure. Nonetheless, the decisive moment was always destined to come as reward for Algeria.
In the 82nd minute, with the match still hanging in the balance, Algeria finally found their breakthrough. A set-piece situation saw Anis Hadj Moussa step up to deliver into a crowded penalty area. Jordan failed to clear their lines, and Amine Gouiri reacted fastest of all — finishing to make it 2–1. From there, Algeria managed the closing minutes.
In the end, this was not a dominant performance from Algeria, but it was a telling one. The ability to stay in a game, to absorb frustration, and come back in such a way, after that 3-0 defeat against Argentina. The final group game against Austria will be defining as both teams go in search of a win that will secure second spot. Algeria, with 3 points in the bag – are already in pole position for the knockout rounds, with 8 third-placed teams expected to advance.
