Algeria secured passage to the World Cup round of 32 after a breathless 3-3 draw with Austria, sparking jubilant scenes among supporters who packed a north African cafe in Sydney to watch the decisive group stage finale.
Riyad Mahrez appeared to have won the contest for Algeria when he struck late in the match, only for Austria to equalise in the dying seconds. The draw proved sufficient to send the North African side through to the knockout phase for the first time in 12 years.
Drama Unfolds in Surry Hills
At Cafe Tanja in Surry Hills, fans draped in green and white gathered hours before kick-off, swapping greetings in French over cups of tea and spicy merguez sausages. The atmosphere shifted from nervous tension to elation and back again as the goals flew in.
Austria struck first, silencing the upstairs viewing area temporarily until Algeria found an equaliser before the interval. The second half brought further chaos as both sides traded blows to make it 2-2.
With just two minutes remaining, Mahrez’s finish sent the cafe into pandemonium. Stools became drums and chants of “one, two, three, we love Algeria” echoed through both floors. The celebration was cut short when Austria levelled in the final seconds, though confirmation that the point guaranteed progression triggered renewed cheers.
Community and Heritage
For many present, the venue offered more than a screen. Billy, who moved from Algeria over a decade ago, explained the sacrifice usually required to follow the national team. “Usually I put the alarm on and watch the game early in the morning,” he said. “This year we got lucky because we finally have good timing to watch all the games in Australia.”
He praised the cafe’s homemade cooking, noting it “reminds me of my culture and my adjoining heritage.”
The establishment holds deep personal significance for owner Sanah Djebli, 34, who runs it with her family. “We lost my brother four years ago,” she explained. “He left us some money and it was always my mum’s dream to open a cafe. And because I was living in Australia we wanted to do it here – we wanted to do something for our community.”
Knockout Stage Awaits
The result ends a 12-year absence from the World Cup knockout rounds for Algeria. They advance as one of the best third-placed teams, setting up a round of 32 tie that will be confirmed once the final group standings are determined.
For the Sydney supporters, the victory extends a tournament run that has already seen them travel from Los Angeles—where some watched the victory over Jordan—to Australia. Many told Djebli they would return for the next fixture, keeping the community’s World Cup journey alive.