Austria vs Jordan FIFA World Cup Result: Austria end 36-year wait with dramatic win over debutants Jordan

Austrian Marko Arnautovic (7) celebrates a goal from a penalty kick. (AP photo) Austria finally tasted victory on football’s biggest stage again after 36 years when they beat World Cup debutants Jordan 3-1 in an entertaining Group J encounter on Wednesday to record their first victory at the tournament since 1990.Returning to the World Cup after missing the previous six editions, Austria overcame a spirited challenge from Jordan with a late own goal and a stoppage-time penalty from veteran striker Marko Arnautovic to secure a memorable triumph.Austria last won the World Cup against the United States during the group stage in Italy in 1990, making Wednesday’s success their first in more than three decades.

Schmid’s stun gives Austria early control

Romano Schmid gave Austria the lead in the 20th minute when he finished a flowing move with a stunning right-footed strike from the edge of the box after being caught by Xaver Schlager. The goal put the Jordanian defense under pressure and rewarded Austria’s good start.Jordan, making his World Cup debut, refused to back down and leveled five minutes into the second half. Ali Olwan led a swift counter-attack and emphatically finished past Alexander Schlager, sparking wild celebrations among the large contingent of Jordanian supporters.

VAR drama and an own goal change the course

The game then changed dramatically in Austria’s favor.Substitute Arnautovic thought he had restored the lead after Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila spilled a corner into the crowded area. However, a VAR review noted Stefan Posch’s handball in the play-off and the goal was disallowed.Austria was not denied for long. Moments after the second-half cooling-off break, another dangerous corner in the Jordan penalty area caused havoc and defender Yazan Al Arab inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 76th minute.Jordan pushed forward in search of another equalizer but were punished deep into stoppage time when Arnautovic converted from the penalty spot to seal a 3-1 victory.

A historic night sets up Argentina’s showdown

The result dashed Jordan’s hopes of becoming the first nation since Senegal in 2002 to win on their World Cup debut.Austria will now take on defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi in Texas on Monday, while Jordan return to Santa Clara to take on Algeria in a crucial clash after the North Africans suffered a 3-0 defeat to Argentina in their Group J opener.