Austria defeated World Cup debutants Jordan 3-1 in an absorbing Group J clash in Santa Clara.
Romano Schmid curled a brilliant effort beyond Yazeed Abulaila in the 20th minute, before Ali Olwan’s sensational finish off the far post five minutes after the restart restored parity for Jordan, who had been lively and deserved their equaliser.
Half-time substitute Marko Arnautović had a goal ruled out for handball in the build-up just before the second-half hydration break.
However, from another corner after the restart, Yazan Al-Arab deflected the ball into his own net with 14 minutes remaining to restore Austria’s lead.
Arnautović eventually got his reward in added time, converting from the penalty spot to seal the victory for Austria.
Both sides are in Group J alongside defending champions Argentina, who earlier beat Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City thanks to a Lionel Messi hat-trick.
(The Whistler)
