Algeria recovered from their opening day humbling to Argentina with a 2-1 comeback win over Jordan in their second Group J encounter of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouri scored apiece for the Desert Warriors in the final 21 minutes of normal time to cancel out Jordan midfielder Nizar Al-Rashdan's first-half strike.
Borussia Dortmund star Ramy Bensebaini completed full 90 minutes of their clash and played a starring role for Algeria as the centre-back delivered a defensive masterclass.
Bensebaini at his best for Algeria
This was Bensebaini at his best, combining his towering stature with aggressive physical style of play to impose himself on the contest and leave opposing attackers little room to operate.
The Dortmund star was positionally aware and timed his tackles to perfection, completing six on the day while also making three interceptions and four clearances to demonstrate his exemplary vision and tactical awareness.
Competing fiercely for possession, Bensebaini made a staggering nine ground duels on the day and won eight while also exercising his aerial prowess. He kept Algeria in the match all by himself, shielding them from Jordan's persistent attacking threats to emerge as their man of the match.
Having come up painfully short in his player battle with Lionel Messi last week, Bensebaini roared back into form here with a statement display that reinforces his place among the best defenders in the world today.
The 31-year-old, who played an instrumental role for Borussia Dortmund in their strong Bundesliga finish last season, is now delivering on the biggest stage of them all as the BVB fans would be delighted for him.
Bensebaini will be key against Austria
After such a gladiator-like performance, Ramy Bensebaini will once again be tasked with keeping Austrian forwards quiet in their last group fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday, as the North African giants look to seal their passage to the knockout rounds.
A draw would leave both teams with four points with Algeria finishing in third by virtue of inferior goal-difference and their fate will be decided against third-placed teams of other groups. But a victory would taken them directly into the round of 32 regardless of other results.
The match is also special for Borussia Dortmund fans as it pits Bensebaini against his club teammates Marcel Sabitzer and Carney Chukwuemeka, both of whom have featured for Austria in their clashes so far.
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