Austria marked their first FIFA World Cup match in 28 years with a 3-1 victory over debutants Jordan in Group J, surviving a spirited performance before late goals settled a hard-fought contest at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.
Romano Schmid put Austria ahead in the 20th minute, but Jordan levelled early in the second half through Ali Olwan’s solo finish. Austria then regained the lead when Jordan defender Yazan Al Arab headed into his own net in the 76th minute, before Marko Arnautovic sealed the points with a penalty in the 12th minute of added time.
The result mattered for both sides in a group that also includes Argentina and Algeria, with Austria taking three points while Jordan remained without a point after two matches.
How Austria edged Jordan in Group J
Jordan began with intent and fashioned the first opening almost immediately. In the second minute, captain Ehsan Haddad found space for an effort but fired into the side-netting.
Austria were then tested again when Odeh Fakhouri struck from distance around the quarter-hour mark, forcing goalkeeper Alexander Schlager to tip the ball over the bar.
Despite Jordan’s bright start, it was Austria who struck first. In the 20th minute, Schmid whipped what was described as an unstoppable drive into the net from the edge of the area to give Austria the lead.
Jordan responded after the break and found an equaliser five minutes into the second period. Olwan carried the ball forward after being played into Austria’s half by Noor Al Rawabdeh, then broke into the penalty area, jinked inside and bent an inch-perfect shot home. The goal was a landmark moment, making Olwan the first Jordanian to score at the World Cup.
Austria thought they had restored their advantage in the 67th minute when Arnautovic stabbed in from close range after a corner, with Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila unable to get enough on a punch clear. However, after a VAR on-field review, the goal was ruled out for a handball in the build-up by Stefan Posch.
Austria’s pressure eventually told, though in unfortunate fashion for Jordan. In the 76th minute, defender Yazan Al Arab headed into his own net, putting Austria back in front.
Jordan continued to battle, but Austria added a decisive third deep into stoppage time. Arnautovic rifled in a penalty in the 12th minute of time added on to make sure of all three points.
Key notes: Olwan honoured, Austria’s World Cup trend continues
Jordan’s Olwan was named Superior Player of the Match after his historic equaliser and influential display.
Austria also extended a notable World Cup statistic: the match was their 30th at the tournament, and the report noted that not a single one of those games has finished goalless.
After the match, Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager described it as a “hard-fought win” and said the victory provided momentum ahead of the next game, adding that the focus would now be on preparing for Argentina. Austria captain David Alaba said the team’s objective was to start with a win and called it “a huge relief.”
From the Jordan camp, Noor Al Rawabdeh said the difference was taking chances, pointing to the need to be clinical in big games, while also noting the pride of making their World Cup debut.
In the Group J table shown in the report, Argentina led on six points from two matches, with Austria and Algeria on three points each and Jordan on zero.
