AUSTRIA MARK WINNING WORLD CUP RETURN AGAINST JORDAN

Austria celebrated their return to the World Cup after 28 years away with a 3-1 victory over tournament debutants Jordan in their Group J opener in San Francisco.

Jordan impressed for long spells and created several early chances, but Austria struck first through Romano Schmid, whose superb long-range effort found the top corner midway through the first half.

The debutants continued to threaten and deservedly levelled five minutes after the restart when Ali Olwan cut inside from the left and fired a fine finish in off the post for a historic Jordanian World Cup goal.

Austria responded strongly and regained the lead 13 minutes from time when Marcel Sabitzer’s corner caused confusion in the Jordan defence, with Yazan Al-Arab turning the ball into his own net.

Jordan pushed for another equaliser, but Marko Arnautovic sealed the victory deep into stoppage time, converting a penalty after a handball inside the box.

The result gives Austria their first World Cup win since 1990 and moves them level on three points with Argentina in Group J, while Jordan’s wait for a first World Cup victory continues.