Algeria Stuns Jordan 2-1 with Second-Half Comeback in World Cup Group J

Algeria mounted a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat Jordan 2-1 on Monday, securing their first World Cup victory since 2014 and keeping their knockout-stage hopes alive. The match at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, saw Jordan take a first-half lead through Nizar Al Rashdan, but Algeria responded with two goals from corner kicks after the interval.

Jordan opened the scoring in the 36th minute when Al Rashdan struck with the outside of his right foot on the counter-attack, leaving Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane with no chance. Despite Algeria controlling possession and creating chances through Riyad Mahrez, they trailed at halftime. The Jordanians, making their World Cup debut, were seeking their first points of the tournament after a 3-1 loss to Austria in their opener.

Algeria increased pressure after the break and equalized in the 69th minute when substitute Nadhir Benbouali rose highest to head home a Mahrez corner kick. The momentum shifted decisively, and the winner came eight minutes before full time when Feyenoord winger Anis Hadj Moussa, who had replaced Mahrez, delivered a corner that found Amine Gouiri, who forced the ball home from close range through a crowd of defenders.

The victory was Algeria's first at a World Cup since 2014 and the first time they have ever won after conceding the opening goal (previously seven losses and two draws). Jordan, meanwhile, are eliminated from Group J after two straight defeats. Algeria, who lost their opener 3-0 to Argentina, now have three points and can clinch a place in the knockout round with a win against Austria on Saturday.