Super-sub Arnautovic fires Austria to World Cup win over Jordan
Marko Arnautovic came off the bench to score twice, including a last-gasp penalty, as Austria beat Jordan 3-1 in their first World Cup finals appearance in 28 years.
Austria marked their return to the FIFA World Cup after a 28-year absence with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over debutants Jordan in Arlington, USA, on Saturday. Substitute Marko Arnautovic was the hero, netting a brace in the second half, the second goal coming from the penalty spot in the 12th minute of stoppage time.
Romano Schmid opened the scoring for Austria in the 21st minute with a long-range strike. However, Jordan grew into the game and equalized in the 50th minute through Ali Olwan after a swift counter-attack. Austria coach Ralf Rangnick made several changes around the hour mark, bringing on fresh legs that changed the momentum.
In the 77th minute, Arnautovic's shot from a corner took a deflection off Jordan's Yazan Al-Arab and ended up in the net. The Inter Milan striker later missed a one-on-one chance but earned a penalty deep into added time when Salim Obaid handled the ball inside the box. Arnautovic calmly converted from the spot to seal the win.
Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager made several crucial saves in the first half. Arnautovic replaced Sasa Kalajdzic at halftime. In Group J, Austria joins Argentina on three points, while Jordan and Algeria are yet to pick up a point. Austria next face Argentina, while Jordan take on Algeria in their second group matches.
