Austria secures first World Cup victory since 1990 with 3-1 win over Jordan
Romano Schmid, an own goal and a late Marko Arnautović penalty delivered Austria a 3-1 victory over debutants Jordan in their Group J opener, their first World Cup triumph since 1990.
Match events
Austria, coached by Ralf Rangnick, returned to the World Cup stage after 28 years and needed a battling performance to overcome a spirited Jordan side. Romano Schmid broke the deadlock in the 20th minute with a long-range strike, Austria's first World Cup goal since 1998. Jordan had the better chances in the first half, with Ali Olwan hitting the crossbar two minutes after the goal and forcing goalkeeper Alexander Schlager into key saves. Olwan did level in the 50th minute with a well-taken finish after a counter-attack. The game turned in the 76th minute when a corner led to an own goal by Yazan Al-Arab, putting Austria back in front. Deep into stoppage time, after a VAR review for a handball by Salem Obaid, Marko Arnautović converted a penalty to seal the 3-1 win.
Arnautović makes history
At 37 years and 59 days, Arnautović became the oldest player to appear for Austria at a World Cup, surpassing Michael Konsel's record from 1998. The penalty also made him the oldest Austrian World Cup scorer. The striker, who plays for Red Star Belgrade and has 48 goals in 134 appearances, described his emotions after the match.
It were my first World Cup minutes, my family in the stands, scored a goal and won - there is nothing nicer. Good morning to all Austrians, thank you that you supported us.
Arnautović, who already holds the national team records for most caps and goals, said his milestones were not important. 'I want to give everything with this team at my last tournament.' He is one of only three Austrian players (with Schmid and Ivica Vastic) to score at both a European Championship and a World Cup.
A nervous performance
Austria's relief mixed with realism after a shaky display. Jordan, making their World Cup debut, frequently threatened on the break and deserved more from the game. Ralf Rangnick admitted it had been a difficult match.
It was an extremely difficult game. Jordan made life hard for us. We needed time to find our rhythm. We notice that there's a different tension at the World Cup.
Midfielder Konrad Laimer highlighted the team's resilience: 'We had phases where we did it well and phases where we didn't. In the end it shows the mentality, that we never give up.' Arnautović conceded the team had been 'a bit nervous' at the start, unsurprising for a squad with no World Cup experience.
Messi next
Attention quickly shifted to the next Group J fixture against Argentina and Lionel Messi. The 38-year-old scored a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria in the group's other game. Captain David Alaba was impressed but hopeful Argentine fireworks were confined to that match.
Incredible! That Messi starts with a hat-trick is of course madness. Thank God he did that today and - let's hope - not next week. You can hardly believe that he's almost 40 years old.
Austria face Argentina on Monday evening, knowing a result against the world champions would be a massive step toward the knockout rounds.
