DUBAI: A barely believable 3-3 draw between Austria and Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City sent both teams to the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 as the second and third placed teams in Group J. The build-up to the fixture had focused on its infamous historical significance. Algeria had lost 2-0 to Austria on its first World Cup participation in 1982, and were later notoriously eliminated when West Germany beat Austria 1-0 in the “Disgrace of Gijon” match, a result that meant the European neighbours progressed to the second round and the north African one was eliminated.

North African side, who were denied 44 years back when West Germany and Austria colluded to ensure qualification, face similar conundrum in Kansas

Algeria have waited more than four decades for a chance to avenge the 'Disgrace of Gijon' that saw West Germany and Austria conspire to knock them out of the 1982 World Cup.…