Ralf Rangnick Dismisses Talk Of ‘Convenient Draw’ Following Austria’s 3-3 Thriller
Ralf Rangnick Dismisses Talk Of ‘Convenient Draw’ Following Austria’s 3-3 Thriller Published By, Last Updated: June 28, 2026, 14:01 IST Ralf Rangnick defends Austria vs
Ralf Rangnick Dismisses Talk Of ‘Convenient Draw’ Following Austria’s 3-3 Thriller Published By, Last Updated: June 28, 2026, 14:01 IST Ralf Rangnick defends Austria vs Algeria 3-3 thriller, says that Sasa Kalajdzic late goal proves no convenient draw amidst collusion speculation. Rapid Read Austria players celebrate after Sasa Kalajdzic's goal (Picture credit: AP) Austria’s men’s football team head coach Ralf Rangnick has said that Riyad Mahrez’s goal against his team in the extra time of the game proves that it was not a convenient draw that the two teams opted for, adding that he hasn’t seen a dramatic match as this in his entire coaching career. The dramatic finale, which saw both teams advance to the knockout stage, prompted Rangnick to dismiss any suggestions of collusion.
With a draw enough to send Austria through as Group J runners-up and Algeria into the last 32 as one of the best third-placed teams, speculation over a beneficial result had dominated the pre-match build-up. But Rangnick insisted the game’s dramatic finale should put any conspiracy theories to rest. “In this match, when you have a 3-3, nobody can assume that it was an agreement and especially what we saw during the last 90 seconds. Three minutes to play, if somebody had said this would happen, you would have told them they were mad," Rangnick said after the match. “I have been a coach for about 40 years and I don’t even remember a match that had such a dramatic course and such an unexpected trajectory.
Most anticipated 0-0 or 1-1 and now it is 3-3," Rangnick added. The German dismissed suggestions that either team had been content to settle for a draw, pointing out that both teams continued to chase a winner until Riyad Mahrez found the net late in the match. “All who watched the game during the last 15 minutes must know there is no hint that the players absolutely wanted to have a draw. I think they wanted to win. Nobody can tell me that suddenly in minute 93 somebody would plan: ‘Oh yes, let us score another goal," Rangnick said. “I think maybe it was the thought of one or two players in Algeria, but I think in the rest of the squad, I don’t think it was the case and not for me.
You saw that during the last couple of seconds," Rangnick added. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: June 28, 2026, 13:57 IST News sports football Ralf Rangnick Dismisses Talk Of ‘Convenient Draw’ Following Austria’s 3-3 Thriller Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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