Algeria vs Austria

By the time this final Group J match kicks off, the qualifying picture may already be settled, or it may have condensed into a single elimination fixture disguised as a group-stage game. Algeria's meeting with Austria is their most winnable contest against European opposition in recent tournament memory, and Petković will know that anything less than three points likely strands his team at the group-stage exit. The two nations have no competitive history — a single 2018 friendly produced a 1-0 Austrian win in Klagenfurt — and their football cultures could not be less alike.

Algeria are at their best when Bennacer pulls the strings from deep, using his passing range to find Gouiri and Bensebaini's overlapping runs from left-back. Austria want chaos: Rangnick's press is designed to prevent exactly the sort of controlled build-up Algeria prefer, forcing turnovers before the Desert Warriors can establish their rhythm. If Austria's press works, Algeria's midfield becomes a trap rather than a launchpad.

If Algeria play through the first line — and Bennacer's ball-carrying ability gives them a genuine chance — the space behind Austria's aggressive shape opens up for incisive counters. Sabitzer versus Zerrouki in the central midfield duel will shape everything. Tournament group-stage finales between teams needing results tend to produce open, chaotic football, and neither manager will want extra time.

This has the makings of the group's most entertaining contest.