Austria ended a 36-year wait for a World Cup victory on Wednesday, beating Jordan 3-1 in a dramatic Group J opener at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, in a match that swung twice in fortune before Austria finally sealed the points.
Christoph Baumgartner opened the scoring with a curling effort from outside the box that caught the Jordan goalkeeper off his line. But Jordan equalised in the second half through Ali Olwan, scoring the country’s first-ever goal at a World Cup. The moment stopped the Austrian celebrations and changed the mood inside the stadium.
Austria regained the lead through an unfortunate own goal before Marko Arnautovic converted a late penalty in the 90th minute to confirm the win. Arnautovic, now 37 and in what is likely his last World Cup, celebrated with visible emotion in front of the Austrian support.
Jordan, making their first World Cup appearance, showed courage and discipline throughout. Their equaliser was no fluke. They pressed Austria’s midfield with organisation and counter-attacked with speed. But Austria held their nerve after the own goal and closed the match out professionally.
Austria’s last World Cup win came in 1990 against the United States. The 36-year gap between victories is a record that will now have to be reset, and the relief inside the Austrian camp after the final whistle was visible on every face on the bench and the pitch.
Group J now has Austria top with three points. Their remaining opponents will be more demanding, but this opening result gives the squad confidence and momentum heading into the second round of group games.
Jordan’s players can take positives from the performance even in defeat. Scoring the country’s first World Cup goal is a genuine achievement for a side that qualified through the intercontinental playoffs. Their coach will be encouraged by the competitive spirit, even if the result did not go their way. Austria’s win adds to what has been an opening week of World Cup upsets and surprises alongside dominant performances from bigger nations. Argentina, France and Norway all won their openers on the same matchday.
Arnautovic’s penalty in stoppage time was the moment that put the result beyond doubt. He had come on as a second-half substitute and, with his first meaningful touch, rolled the penalty into the corner. The veteran striker remains a reliable presence for his national side even as his club career winds down.
Austria will now prepare for their next group game knowing that three points and a clean first result give them a platform. Jordan return to the tournament aware that they have already made history, regardless of what follows.
