Algeria Revives Knockout Hopes With First World Cup Victory Since 2014

Algeria staged a spirited comeback to defeat Jordan 2-1 and register its first FIFA World Cup victory since 2014 , keeping alive its hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

After suffering a 3-0 defeat to Argentina in its opening Group J fixture, Algeria entered Monday night's match under pressure. However, the North African side responded strongly, overturning an early deficit with two second-half goals at Levi's Stadium.

Jordan made history by taking the lead through Nizar Al Rashdan , marking the first time the nation had gone ahead in a World Cup match. The debutants looked set to secure a memorable result after holding their advantage through much of the contest.

Algeria, though, dominated proceedings after the break and eventually found the breakthrough in the 69th minute. Substitute Nadhir Benbouali headed home from a corner delivered by Riyad Mahrez , drawing Algeria level and shifting momentum decisively in its favour.

The pressure continued to mount on Jordan, and Algeria completed the turnaround in the 82nd minute when Amine Gouiri got a touch on a ball inside the penalty area that deflected off goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila and into the net.

The victory carried added significance for Algeria. It marked the first time in the country's World Cup history that it had won a match after conceding the opening goal . In its previous nine such matches, Algeria had recorded seven defeats and two draws.

Beyond ending a 12-year wait for a World Cup victory, the result has revived Algeria's hopes of progressing from Group J. A win over Austria in their final group-stage match would secure second place and a place in the knockout rounds. Buoyed by their comeback victory against Jordan and renewed confidence, Algeria will believe they have a strong chance of securing the result they need.

Jordan, which had earlier lost 3-1 to Austria, was eliminated from contention after suffering its second successive defeat despite an encouraging showing in its maiden World Cup campaign.