Austria and Algeria Serve Up a Six-Goal Kansas City Epic

Austria and Algeria refused to let the controversy surrounding the expanded World Cup format define their meeting in Kansas City, instead delivering a six-goal thriller that will be remembered long after the format debate fades, according to Reuters.

The result had consequences well beyond the two teams on the pitch. Reuters reports that Iran, who needed an Algeria victory to advance as one of the best third-placed sides, were eliminated as a direct result of the draw.

The match stands as a reminder that even in a bloated, much-criticised tournament structure, the football itself can still produce moments that silence the critics and thrill the neutral.