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Former Inter and Stoke City striker Marko Arnautovic found the net as Austria ended a 28-year wait for a World Cup victory, overcoming debutants Jordan 3-1 at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. Ralf Rangnick’s side combined individual brilliance with late drama to secure a vital win in their Group J opener in Santa Clara.

Schmid sparks Austria’s early momentum

Returning to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1998, Austria wasted no time asserting themselves. The tension of nearly three decades was eased in the 20th minute when Romano Schmid produced a moment of pure class. The midfielder unleashed a stunning strike that left the Jordan goalkeeper helpless, giving Rangnick’s men a well-deserved early lead. Austria maintained control for most of the opening half, enjoying 62% possession as they neutralised any hopes of a dream start for the tournament newcomers.

Olwan brings Jordan level

The second half opened with a twist as Jordan, the underdogs, showed they were not in North America merely to participate. Just five minutes after the restart, Ali Olwan found space inside the area and fired a precise shot into the far corner to equalise. The goal unsettled Austria, forcing them into a real battle against the spirited debutants. Jordan’s disciplined defensive setup frustrated key Austrian players like Marcel Sabitzer and Sasa Kalajdzic, as the newcomers looked capable of earning a famous point in their first-ever World Cup game.

VAR controversy and an unfortunate own goal

With the contest delicately balanced, experienced forward Arnautovic was brought on to steady the attack. The former Inter and Stoke man thought he had restored Austria’s advantage in the 69th minute when he poked home from close range during a chaotic scramble, but his joy was short-lived. Following a VAR check, the goal was disallowed due to a handball by Stefan Posch in the buildup. Austria’s persistence, however, paid off just minutes later. In the 76th minute, a dangerous corner from Sabitzer led to confusion in the Jordan penalty area, and the ball deflected off Yazan Al-Arab into his own goal, restoring Austria’s lead at 2-1.

Arnautovic secures the win

As the game entered a lengthy period of added time, Jordan pushed forward in search of another equaliser. Their hopes were dashed when Salim Obaid conceded a penalty for a handball deep into stoppage time. Over eleven minutes into injury time, Arnautovic confidently converted from the spot, sealing a 3-1 victory and ensuring Austria claimed all three points. The goal also marked a personal milestone for the veteran striker in his World Cup campaign.

Austria now face a major test as they prepare to take on defending champions Argentina on Monday, with Lionel Messi in red-hot form after scoring a hat-trick in his opening game. Jordan, meanwhile, will aim to recover quickly when they meet Algeria on Tuesday, knowing that a positive result is crucial to keeping their hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds alive in their maiden World Cup appearance.