Austria marked their long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup stage with a winning start, defeating debutants Jordan 3-1 in San Francisco to open their Group J campaign with three valuable points.
After a 28-year absence from football’s biggest tournament, Ralf Rangnick’s side showed their experience and quality when it mattered most, overcoming a spirited Jordan performance that threatened to produce a historic result for the Asian newcomers.
Jordan, making their first-ever World Cup appearance, began with no signs of intimidation and created the first opening inside two minutes.
A quick counter-attack released Ehsan Haddad, whose effort found the side netting as Al-Nashama immediately looked to test Austria on the break.
Musa Al-Taamari then forced the first save of the match from Alexander Schlager, while Jordan’s disciplined defensive shape frustrated Austria’s attacking rhythm.
The debutants dropped deep, absorbed pressure and looked dangerous whenever they transitioned forward.
That approach nearly paid off when Odeh Al-Fakhouri unleashed a powerful effort from 25 yards, forcing Schlager into a smart save to tip the ball over the bar. However, against the run of play, Austria found the breakthrough in the 20th minute.
Xaver Schlager’s intelligent layoff created space for Romano Schmid, who produced a moment of individual brilliance by curling a stunning strike from outside the box into the top corner, giving Austria the lead with their first meaningful chance of the match.
Jordan responded immediately and came close to an equaliser just two minutes later when Ali Olwan’s header from a cleverly worked corner clipped the crossbar.
The West Asian side continued to threaten, and after the first-half hydration break they regained control of the contest.
Olwan was again involved in a dangerous move in the 34th minute, unleashing a fierce strike that Schlager could only parry into the path of Al-Taamari, whose follow-up was denied by a crucial Philipp Lienhart block.
Jordan finished the first half as the stronger side, with Al-Taamari dragging an effort wide in stoppage time as they searched for a deserved equaliser.
Austria, however, showed their tournament experience after the break and eventually doubled their advantage 13 minutes from time.
Marcel Sabitzer’s dangerous corner caused confusion inside the Jordan penalty area, with Yazan Al-Arab inadvertently turning the ball into his own net.
Marko Arnautović had the opportunity to put the result beyond doubt when he raced through one-on-one, but his effort was straight at goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila.
The veteran forward would not be denied, though, as deep into stoppage time his cross struck the arm of Salim Obaid, earning Austria a penalty.
Arnautović stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to score his 48th international goal and seal Austria’s first World Cup victory since 1990.
The result places Austria alongside Argentina on three points in Group J, while Jordan can take encouragement from an impressive debut despite extending their winless run to six matches.
Jamal Sellami’s side showed they can compete at this level but will now need to find a way to turn promising performances into results as they prepare to face Algeria next Monday.
Austria, meanwhile, will face Argentina on Tuesday morning with confidence after ending a 28-year wait for a World Cup victory and making the perfect start to their campaign.
