World Cup controversy as Algeria vs Austria both set to benefit from losing

Algeria and Austria lock horns in the final World Cup group stage game at the weekend and it could prove to be one of the most controversial in football history.

That's because, in a bizarre twist, both teams will benefit the most if they lose the Group J clash rather than take all three points.

Reigning world champions Argentina are likely to top the group having already beaten both sides, with record goalscorer Lionel Messi serving up magic and scoring five in the opening two games.

After booking their spot in the round of 32, Lionel Scaloni's side take on already eliminated Jordan in their final group fixture in Arlington, Texas.

At the same time, Algeria and Austria both face one another in a decisive Kansas City match-up which will determine who finishes in second position.

Both are on three points after scoring wins over Jordan and neither can finish in fourth position because of the new level of importance given to head-to-head records.

But it is the loser who will likely be handed a better, more winnable fixture in the first knockout round.

Austria currently occupy second by a narrow margin but as it stands they are on course to face European champions Spain in the round of 32.

This year's tournament, which features an unprecedented 48 teams and 12 groups, sees the eight best third-placed teams qualify for the round of 32.

Finishing third in Group J could mean a round of 32 outing against a considerably weaker group winner with a lower FIFA ranking.

The most likely opponents are Belgium or Egypt, who are expected to progress from Group G, but there are other options depending on how results play out.

Florian Ederer, an economics professor at Boston University, told The Times: "You may have a situation where it would be better for both teams to lose that final match".

The beauty of the situation is that Algeria vs Austria takes place after all the games in other groups have taken place - meaning they will go into the match knowing the permutations of who the third-place team they will be playing in the next round.

A draw for Algeria would also see them take third spot because of Austria's superior goal difference and give Ralf Rangnick's side a trickier test in the round of 32.

Algeria vs Austria scenario brings attention to World Cup 'disgrace' in 1982

A similar scenario occurred in 2018 when England lost the final group game to Belgium to finish second but ended up with a better route - avoiding Japan in the round of 16 and then

Brazil and France in the rounds that followed.

Instead, they came up against Colombia and Sweden before losing to Croatia in the semi-final.

In the past, Algeria and Austria have been at the centre of one of the most controversial scenarios in World Cup history.

In the 1982 World Cup, wins were worth two points and Algeria beat West Germany and Chile in their first two games.

West Germany and Austria met in the final group game, knowing the result which would take both through to the next stage.

West Germany won 1-0, a result which saw both them and Austria finish on four points but eliminate Algeria on goal difference.

The match was branded the Disgrace of Gijon as after Horst Hrubesch's early opener, both sides passed the ball around without intent because they knew they were on course for the next round.

The scenario brought a FIFA rule change, with final group games kicking off at the same time to ensure a degree of fairness.