Keith Hackett shares match-fixing verdict after analysing Algeria vs Austria footage
World Cup supporters should not believe claims that Algeria and Austria match-fixed during their 3-3 clash at the Kansas City Stadium.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that fans need to use common sense as controversy emerges.
The two sides ranked 28th and 24th in the world put on quite the show on Sunday, 28 June, netting six goals before the full-time whistle sounded.
Two of those came in added time via Riyad Mahrez and former Wolves striker Sasa Kalajdzic, with both nations now being accused of match-fixing.
For context, a draw ensured both team's booked their spot in the knockouts stages. However, a win for Algeria would see them come up against Spain in the round of 32.
Some fans have suggested that the two managers came to an agreement before kick-off, but Hackett has instantly rubbished those claims.
Algeria vs Austria match-fixing claims dismissed
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former FIFA referee was adamant that it was simply an exciting end to the game, rather than anything against the rules.
"The reality, if we put our common sense hat on, you've got 22 players and, the vulnerable part of it all, is the referee," he said.
"The referee's selection for a match of that potential is taken very seriously by the organising committee. You had an experienced referee on the match, so it discounts any sort of move that he might be a problem.
"I think it's almost impossible, maybe I'm naive, to have a game of this nature where you can actually agree what the score is going to be.
"It's so rare in football. Fans will... I see almost week in, week out when a referee has a controversial decision, he's 'sold the game' or 'sold his soul'.
"I just don't think this is feasible because of all the systems that are in place, ultimately."
Who will the two sides face in the round of 32?
Due to the draw, Algeria will now face Switzerland on Friday, 3 July, while Ralf Rangnick's side, instead, will be the side to face Spain in the next round.
To lift the World Cup, you simply have to beat what is in front of you. The tournament has already put up some shock results, so anything is possible.
England fans will be pleased with a round-of-32 clash against DR Congo, but nothing is guaranteed. The Three Lions could be knocked out of the tournament on Wednesday, 1 July.
If a team underestimates any opponent, they're already at a disadvantage. Spain are favourites to win the tournament, but that doesn't mean that Austria can't beat them.