- Jordan’s Early Lead Fades as Algeria Fight Back for Victory
PHILADELPHIA: Jordan missed the chance to secure a crucial victory in their second FIFA World Cup match after suffering a defeat against Algeria on Tuesday in California.
Jordan looked in control during the opening half and took the lead through Nizar Al Rashdan, who scored in the 36th minute. However, Algeria responded strongly after the break, scoring twice to complete the comeback and deny Jordan all three points.
With one match remaining in the group stage, Jordan will face reigning champions Argentina, while Algeria will take on Austria on Sunday in their final group fixtures.
Mbappé Shines Again as France Reach Knockout Stage
French Superstar Scores Brace in 3-0 Win Over Iraq
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé continued his outstanding World Cup form, scoring two goals for the second consecutive match as France defeated Iraq 3-0 on Monday to secure qualification for the last 32.
The match was disrupted by severe weather conditions, with thunderstorms delaying the second-half restart by nearly two hours. Despite the interruption, France maintained their dominance and finished the game comfortably.
“The first half was good. In the second half, we picked up where we left off, bearing in mind that it wasn’t easy given what happened, and we managed to put the game beyond reach,” France coach Didier Deschamps said.
Mbappé Joins World Cup Legends
The match marked Mbappé’s 100th international appearance, and his two goals took his World Cup tally to 16, matching former Germany striker Miroslav Klose’s record.
Earlier the same day, Lionel Messi increased his own World Cup scoring record to 18 goals after netting twice in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria.
Mbappé now has four goals in the tournament, just one behind Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
Dembele Returns to Form as France Strengthen Group Position
France’s reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé also found the net after halftime, helping the two-time world champions maintain their perfect start.
France will meet Norway on Saturday in a decisive Group I clash, with top spot at stake. Norway also moved to 2-0-0 after defeating Senegal 3-2.
Due to their superior goal difference, France only need a draw against Norway to finish top of the group.
Deschamps defended Dembélé after criticism following France’s opening 3-1 victory over Senegal.
“There’s no issue. Ousmane is confident in himself. He can sometimes get people talking, but I have complete faith in him,” Deschamps said.
Iraq’s Hopes Remain Alive Despite Defeat
Iraq are still in contention for one of the eight third-place positions that qualify for the knockout stage, although their path has become difficult.
They likely need a victory against Senegal in their final group match, along with favorable results elsewhere.
Iraq may also be without striker Aymen Hussein, who scored in their opening defeat against Norway but left Monday’s match early with a suspected injury.
Iraq substitute Ali Al-Hamadi praised Mbappé’s individual brilliance but admitted mistakes proved costly.
“You have one moment of excellence from one of the best players in the world,” he said. “We made too many mistakes again.”
France Dominate as Weather Creates Unexpected Drama
France controlled the match from the start, with Mbappé opening the scoring in the 14th minute.
Receiving a pass from Michael Olise, Mbappé created space on the edge of the box before firing a powerful left-foot strike beyond goalkeeper Ahmed Basil.
The long weather delay briefly offered Iraq a chance to regroup, but France quickly doubled their advantage after a defensive mistake from a goal kick.
Mbappé completed his brace in the 54th minute after a Dembélé assist, before Dembélé added France’s third goal 12 minutes later.
The result was never in doubt, with the biggest interruption coming from the storm rather than the competition.
After the referee ended the first half, spectators were ordered to seek shelter as heavy rain and thunderstorms hit the stadium. Players returned for warm-ups nearly two hours later, but the restart was further delayed while ground staff cleared standing water from the pitch.
France’s victory confirmed their place in the next round, while Jordan, Algeria, and Iraq continue fighting for qualification in their final group matches.
BY: The Times Union
