Riyad Mahrez scored twice and Sasa Kalajdzic headed a last-gasp equaliser as Algeria and Austria played out a breathless 3-3 draw at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, a result that sends both sides into the World Cup Round of 32 at the expense of Iran.
Both teams came into this Group J finale knowing that a draw would almost certainly be enough to advance.
Yet what followed bore none of the hallmarks of a side content to settle for a point, producing instead one of the tournament's most gripping 90 minutes.
It was Austria who moved first. On 28 minutes, David Alaba split the Algerian backline with a precise long ball that picked out Marko Arnautovic.
Goalkeeper Oussama Benbot hesitated off his line and Arnautovic, despite an imperfect touch, prodded the ball home for his first-ever World Cup goal.
Arnautovic had earlier been fortunate not to be dismissed after collecting a yellow card in the 11th minute, and his contribution was cut short regardless.
At half-time, Austria coach Ralf Rangnick withdrew the veteran striker along with Xaver Schlager and Romano Schmid, sending on Michael Gregoritsch, Florian Grillitsch, and Paul Wanner.
Algeria, however, refused to go in behind. On the stroke of half-time, Rafik Belghali conjured a stunning solo equaliser, gliding past several Austrian defenders before lashing an unstoppable strike into the top corner.
It was a moment that transformed the mood inside Arrowhead Stadium and sent the Desert Foxes into the break level.
The second half brought more Austrian urgency. Marcel Sabitzer restored the lead on 55 minutes, drilling a ferocious effort from the top of the penalty area that gave Benbot no chance.
Konrad Laimer was credited with the assist as Austria threatened to pull clear.
Algeria responded with conviction. Five minutes later, Houssem Aouar slipped a pass through to captain Mahrez, who finished calmly to level at 2-2.
Algeria's dominance in possession, they controlled 65 per cent of the ball and completed 706 of their 755 attempted passes, was beginning to tell.
The match entered a tense final quarter with the score poised and qualification secured for both sides whatever the outcome.
Algeria made a triple substitution on 71 minutes, bringing on Rayan Ait-Nouri, Zineddine Belaid, and Samir Chergui to freshen the legs, while Kevin Danso had earlier replaced the injured Alaba for Austria.
With three minutes of added time played, Aouar again found Mahrez in space and the Al Ahli forward swept home his second of the night to make it 3-2.
