Algeria and austria face off with mutual draw interest in world cup group j

It appears one of the side effects of this hybrid 48-team world cup format, where 32 teams advance to the round of 16, is that several squads share a mutual interest in a draw before the final group matchday. A draw benefits both sides, and so far every such scenario has ended in a draw.

This was the case in group F, where Japan faced Sweden. After a tight first half, the match opened up after the break (Maeda 56′, Elanga 62′), but still finished 1-1, a result that suited both teams just fine.

The story was even clearer in group B, where Australia and Paraguay played out a dreadful but unfortunately predictable 0-0. The outcome? Both teams qualified with four points.

Algeria vs Austria: an expected draw?

All eyes are now on the final evening of group play, especially the Algeria-Austria match in group J and Ghana-Croatia in group L. For Algeria and Austria, a draw would send both through, though with a twist: it might be better to finish third (and face Belgium or Switzerland) rather than second and meet Spain. But Austria cannot afford to lose and risk elimination on three points if they want to finish third. So a draw likely suits everyone.

The situation differs for Ghana-Croatia: the Black Stars are already through with four points. Croatia needs at least a draw. Their potential opponent would most likely be Colombia or Portugal, depending on the outcome of an earlier match that night. Any preference?

Third-place standings:

1 – Sweden (4 points, goal difference 0)
2 – Ecuador (4 points, 0)
3 – Bosnia (4 points, -1)
4 – Paraguay (4 points, -2)
5 – Senegal (3 points, +2)
6 – Iran (3 points, 0)
7 – Croatia (3 points, -1)  One match still to play
8 – South Korea (3 points, -1)
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9 – Algeria (3 points, -2)  One match still to play
10 – Scotland (3 points, -3)
11 – Uruguay (2 points, -1)  ELIMINATED
12 – DR Congo (1 point, -2)  One match still to play

Teams in italics are already qualified. Tiebreakers: points, goal difference, goals scored, fair play, fifa ranking before the world cup.