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FIFA are not expected to investigate claims the World Cup game between Austria and Algeria was fixed – to suit both teams, Mirror reports.
It has been suggested the rivals agreed a mutual draw in their final group match – so both could go through to the knockout stages.
The rivals were involved in a 3-3 thriller, with Austria scoring a 96th minute equaliser. This came after Riyad Mahrez had put Algeria ahead three minutes earlier.
The goal involved a five minute build up and 110 consecutive passes, and could have sent Austria home. Tensions threatened to boil over, with Marko Arnautovic seen arguing with the Algerian bench and throwing his hands up in anger.
In the end, Ralf Ragnick’s side went through in second place, with Algeria finishing third to join them in the next round. Critics have claimed the result was engineered on purpose, with Algeria allowing their opponents to level the game with almost the last kick of the game.
But it’s understood FIFA have dismissed the suggestion and have no concerns about the result.
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Austria boss Rangnick has also dismissed the notion out of hand. Although Mahrez did little to quash growing speculation something was amiss when he admitted the scenario at the end had felt “awkward.”
The former Manchester City star said: “It was a bit awkward, to be honest. We were playing wide and they were sitting, but in the last minute someone plays a ball, he turns, and I have to make the run.
“I have to respect football. The ball arrives in front of the keeper and I have to score – I have to try to score. I know it’s an awkward situation, but it’s football, and I have to respect it. And the good thing for them (Austria), is that they score and they qualify. We both qualify, and that’s the most important thing.”
Austria have been handed a difficult knockout clash and will face European champions Spain. Should they secure a huge upset then their next task would be either Portugal or Croatia.
Algeria meanwhile will face Switzerland and their spot in the knockout draw has them on course for a last eight clash against Argentina, should the two nations continue winning.
James Agberebi
James is a sport content creator and also does analysis on sports. Also, James has covered international matches involving both Nigeria’s men and women national teams. Facebook : James Agberebi
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