There will be no room for caution when Algeria and Austria meet in Kansas City on Sunday, with second place in Group J still up for grabs.

Both nations have already shown they can compete at this World Cup, but only one can be certain of joining Argentina in the knockout rounds. Algeria know victory guarantees progression, while Austria arrive holding the advantage on goal difference after taking three points from their opening two matches.

Algeria chasing another famous World Cup moment

Confidence has returned to the Algerian camp after a dramatic comeback against Jordan. Having fallen behind early, Vladimir Petkovic’s side responded with maturity rather than panic, turning the match around through Amine Gouiri and substitute Nadir Benbouali to claim only their second World Cup victory and keep qualification firmly within their own hands.

The Fennecs have looked far more comfortable when allowed to attack than they did in their opening defeat to Argentina, although the absence of Mohamed Amoura remains a significant blow. The Wolfsburg forward’s pace has been badly missed since suffering a hamstring injury, placing even greater responsibility on Riyad Mahrez to provide the creativity in the final third.

Algeria also carry an extra layer of motivation into this fixture. Their controversial elimination at the 1982 World Cup after the infamous “Disgrace of Gijón” remains one of football’s most notorious episodes, and Austria were one of the teams involved. While none of today’s players were part of that story, it remains a memorable chapter in Algerian football history.

Austria looking to finish the job

Austria’s defeat to Argentina was frustrating rather than alarming. Ralf Rangnick’s side found themselves chasing the game after Lionel Messi once again produced the decisive moments, but there was little disgrace in losing to the reigning champions. The bigger picture remains positive after victory over Jordan gave Das Team control of their own destiny.

Austria have become one of Europe’s more disciplined international sides under Rangnick. Their pressing game remains aggressive, but they are also comfortable controlling matches without dominating possession, an approach that could prove valuable against an Algeria side likely to attack with greater urgency.

The biggest question surrounds the forward line. Marko Arnautovic made another strong case for a starting role after his decisive contribution against Jordan, while Carney Chukwuemeka is pushing for his first World Cup start after impressing from the bench.

Team news

Algeria remain without Amoura because of his hamstring injury. Mahrez will again captain the attack, while Nabil Bentaleb is pushing to return in midfield. Rayan Ait-Nouri continues at left-back after another impressive display in the group stage.

Austria have no major new injury concerns. Arnautovic could replace Sasa Kalajdzic up front, while Chukwuemeka is another option should Rangnick freshen his attacking midfield.

Verdict

The stakes alone should make this one of the more intriguing final group matches. Algeria have shown they possess enough attacking quality to trouble Austria, but Rangnick’s side have looked the more balanced team across the tournament. Expect a tight contest with momentum swinging both ways, but neither nation is likely to do enough to completely seize control.

Tip: Draw.