4 highlights from the Austria-Jordan match at the 2026 World Cup

In what turned out to be a football spectacle, Austria secured a comfortable 3-1 win over Jordan, which saw them finish top of Group J alongside Argentina. Jordan got off to a strong start with a fast, direct game that paid off, but towards the end Austria took the lead with substitutions. Here are four highlights from the match: 1. Styles vs. Styles This matchup was exciting from the start thanks to the different playing styles of both teams. Jordan head coach Jamal Sellami chose a speed-oriented lineup with a plan: retreat to the defensive, wait for the opponent's mistakes and attack directly. Jordan did not strive for long combinations - every moment was used to quickly advance to the goal. The Austrian national team, on the contrary, has significantly improved its game over the past four years, which was made possible by head coach Ralf Rangnick, who is considered one of the most influential German coaches of his generation. His style of counter-pressing (or Gegenpressing) inspired coaches such as Thomas Tuchel and Jurgen Klopp. This tactic allows Austria to quickly regain the ball after a turnover, thereby creating attacking opportunities. A spectacular first half of the match ended with Austria having a 65% to 34% possession advantage, although Jordan had more shots on goal - 8 to 6.2. Tactics and goalsThe teams' different tactics resulted in goals that accurately reflected their styles. Austria was the first to open the scoring, taking advantage of a quality combination. In the 20th minute, Xaver Schlager received the ball in the attacking area and played on Romano Schmidt, who, despite the difficulties, shot superbly through the defense, sending the ball into the corner of the goal. In the second half, Jordan equalized, forcing the Austrians into a mistake and quickly launching a counterattack. Oluan again became a key player, beating Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager! Austria regained the lead with a set-piece and then converted a penalty thanks to a substitute.3. Arnautovic has become a decisive player Marko Arnautovic remains the undisputed leader of the Austrian attack at the age of 37. He holds the national team's record for most appearances and goals, and this World Cup marked his debut at the world level. Known for his powerful style, he continues to be an important figure in the team's attack. Although Arnautović did not start the match due to a minor knee injury, his introduction in the second half was decisive. He scored in the 75th minute, but VAR overturned it due to a highly controversial foul. However, soon after, he created a chance that led to an own goal by Jordanian center back Yazan Abu Al-Arab, and then earned a penalty in stoppage time, which he converted.4. Oluan and Schlager impressedOlwan was the focus of the entire game for Jordan. He made four shots on goal, successfully beat defenders and, of course, scored a goal. The 26-year-old winger, who plays for Al Sailiya in Qatar, has been an important figure for his team with 27 goals in 58 appearances. For Austria, it is worth noting a particularly strong performance from goalkeeper Alexander Schlager, who made several key saves in the first half that were instrumental in their victory.4 ½. Looking to the future For all teams in this group, the Messi factor is important. Earlier in the day, Argentina comfortably beat Algeria 3-0, setting the bar to make Argentina hard to stop in Group J and goal difference will be critical. Austria now have three very valuable points ahead of the match against Argentina, which will be the decider. Jordan, for their part, suffered a heavy defeat as it looked like the result was within reach after their goal. To qualify for the next round, they definitely need to beat Algeria in their next match, which is not an easy task.---## Related Articles1. Mundial 2026 2. Kalidou Koulibaly Reflects on Senegal's Defeat to France