Austria coach dismisses world cup match fixing rumors against Algeria

Austria’s coach denies any collusion with Algeria at the World Cup

Ralf Rangnick, head coach of the Austrian national football team, has dismissed speculation of a match fixing agreement between Austria and Algeria following their dramatic 3-3 draw in the final group-stage match of the World Cup. The result secured qualification for both teams to the round of 16.

The Austrian manager pointed to the frenetic final minutes of the game as undeniable proof that no prior arrangement existed. Algeria took the lead through captain Riyad Mahrez in the 93rd minute, only for substitute Sasa Kalajdzic to equalize almost immediately, completing a breathtaking sequence in stoppage time.

Rangnick emphasized the absurdity of the claims, stating, “With a 3-3 score, no one can claim this was premeditated, especially given what unfolded in the final 90 seconds.”

He added, “Three minutes from the end, if someone had predicted this outcome, they would have been called delusional. I’ve been coaching for over four decades, and I’ve never witnessed a match as unpredictable and electrifying as this one.”

The Austrian coach described the atmosphere in the dressing rooms as chaotic, remarking, “Most people expected a dull 0-0 or 1-1 draw. Instead, we saw a 3-3 thriller—utter madness. If Alfred Hitchcock had scripted it, I’d have called him out for sheer lunacy.”

Rangnick also highlighted the relentless attacking intent displayed by both sides in the closing stages. “Anyone watching the final 15 minutes knows there was no hint of a deliberate draw. I believe the players wanted to win—full stop.”

He conceded that individual Algerian players might have entertained the idea of a draw at the last moment but dismissed the notion entirely for his own team. “No one can convince me that, at the 93rd minute, players suddenly decided to score another goal just to tie the match. That’s not how football works.”