Riyad Mahrez did not get the monster haul, but this was still exactly why we had him circled from this fixture. Jordan led, Algeria looked frustrated, then Mahrez dropped the corner onto Nadhir Benbouali's head and the game turned.
Algeria beat Jordan 2-1, kept their knockout hopes alive, and knocked Jordan out with a match still to play. It was not always pretty, but from a World Cup Fantasy point of view the useful bit is simple: Algeria still have something to play for in MD3, Jordan probably do not.
Here are the Demon Notes from Jordan 1-2 Algeria: the team stats, Mahrez's fantasy role, the set-piece angle, and what it means for MD3 when Algeria face Austria and Jordan face Argentina.
Jordan 1-2 Algeria
- Goals: Nizar Al Rashdan | Nadhir Benbouali, Amine Gouiri
- Assists: Mousa Al Tamari | Riyad Mahrez
- Key story: Algeria came from behind after trailing at half-time
- Group picture: Jordan are out, Algeria still have a route to the knockouts
- Next fixtures: Austria v Algeria, Argentina v Jordan
Team Stats
Player Stats
| Player | Pos | Price | Output | Match stats | MD3 note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riyad Mahrez | MID | 6.5m | Assist | Created 3 chances, delivered 7 crosses, assisted from a corner | Austria next, but minutes are the question after coming off on 76' |
| Amine Gouiri | FWD | 6.2m | Goal | Scored the 82nd-minute winner from close range after another set-piece scramble | The best Algeria attacker for managers chasing a low-owned punt |
| Nadhir Benbouali | FWD | 4.2m | Goal | Came off the bench and headed in Mahrez's corner on 69' | Great story, but still a risky minutes play for MD3 |
| Ibrahim Maza | FWD | 5.4m | Start | Helped Algeria carry threat between the lines and gave them energy in the comeback | Interesting cheap name, but not as secure as Mahrez or Gouiri |
| Nizar Al Rashdan | MID | 4.9m | Goal | Scored Jordan's opener on 36' and gave them a real half-time platform | Argentina next makes him a hard fantasy buy |
| Mousa Al Tamari | FWD | 5.6m | Assist | Set up Al Rashdan and remained Jordan's main transition outlet | Good player, horrible MD3 fixture |
| Yazeed Abulaila | GK | 3.9m | 3 points | Jordan had to defend deep for long spells after the break | Do not buy a Jordan keeper before Argentina |
Demon Notes
- Mahrez (6.5m) was one of the top MD2 fixture picks we highlighted, and the logic was right even if the final fantasy return was not explosive. He had set pieces, chance creation and the clearest route to Algeria points.
- The corner assist matters. Algeria scored both goals from set-piece situations, and Mahrez is still the player most likely to put that delivery into dangerous areas.
- Jordan were brave in the first half. They led 1-0, had six shots to Algeria's four and made their big transition moment count through Al Rashdan (4.9m).
- The second half was the real story. Algeria had 69.3% possession, 13 shots to Jordan's two, and 1.19 xG after the break. That is proper territory pressure.
- Gouiri (6.2m) is probably the cleaner fantasy conversation now. He got the winner, has forward upside, and should be involved if Algeria need to win against Austria.
- Benbouali (4.2m) is tempting because he scored, but we should not chase a bench goal unless the team news moves. Good moment, dangerous fantasy trap.
- Jordan are a fade for MD3. They have shown heart and have scored in both World Cup games, but Argentina is not the fixture to attack unless you are doing something very wild.
What It Means For MD3
Algeria face Austria next, and that is the important fantasy angle. They are still alive, so we should expect proper intent. The issue is ceiling. Algeria have not looked like a team we blindly stack, but Mahrez and Gouiri are both playable if you need a low-owned route into a must-win game.
Mahrez is the name people know, and the set-piece role keeps him relevant. The worry is minutes. He was taken off on 76 minutes here, and at 35 he may not be a guaranteed 90-minute player if Algeria need fresh legs.
Gouiri is the more direct pick. He scored the winner, has the forward slot, and should benefit if Algeria have to chase Austria. He is not a safe pick, but he is a reasonable differential if you are hunting upside.
Jordan get Argentina, and that is rough. They have been a good story at their first World Cup, and Tamari can still cause moments, but this is not a spot where we should be spending transfers unless you are chasing sentiment rather than points.
Verdict: Mahrez did enough to justify why he was on the MD2 radar, but for MD3 this becomes a more selective Algeria punt. Gouiri is the upside name, Mahrez is the set-piece route, Jordan are an avoid.