Austria vs Jordan

The breakthrough arrived in the 21st minute and was worth the wait. Romano Schmid collected a pass from Xaver Schlager, took aim from distance, and unleashed a magnificent strike that arrowed into the top corner beyond the reach of Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila.

It was Schmid's first World Cup goal and a moment of pure quality that settled any early nerves in the Austrian camp. Ralf Rangnick's side controlled possession for much of the first half but struggled to carve out clear-cut chances against a well-organised Jordanian defence.

Austria went into the break 1-0 up but had been far from dominant. Jordan, ranked 67th in the world, had matched their more illustrious opponents for long stretches.

Five minutes into the second half, Jordan produced their own piece of history. Ali Olwan — Jordan's top scorer in qualifying — collected a pass from Noor Al Rawabdeh, shifted the ball onto his right foot, and curled a beautiful effort past Alexander Schlager from distance.

It was Jordan's first ever goal at a FIFA World Cup finals, and the celebrations among the Jordanian supporters inside Levi's Stadium were rapturous. The noise from the stands told the story of a nation savouring its debut on the global stage.

Former Premier League midfielder Andy Reid, commentating on BBC Radio 5 Live, said: "Can't even begin to imagine how amazing it must feel to be the one to score your country's first ever World Cup goal. Ali Olwan, take a bow."

Rangnick responded by introducing Arnautovic and Carney Chukwuemeka from the bench, shifting the dynamic of the game. Austria thought they had retaken the lead in the 67th minute when Arnautovic poked home from close range after Abulaila had flapped at a Marcel Sabitzer corner.

But the goal was subjected to a VAR review. Referee Dahane Beida went to the monitor and ruled that Stefan Posch had handled the ball in the buildup — a correct if harsh call. Arnautovic's celebration was cut short.

"They have earned that bit of luck," Reid observed. "It was a difficult handball to see, but I think they have come to the right decision."

Austria did not have to wait long for their second. In the 76th minute, another Sabitzer corner caused chaos in the Jordan box. Abulaila again failed to deal with the delivery, and the ball flicked off Jordan defender Yazan Al Arab, who could only watch in horror as it looped into his own net.

Jordan pushed for a second equaliser but looked increasingly fatigued. As the clock ticked past 90 minutes, with 10 minutes of stoppage time signalled, Austria threw bodies forward.

With 102 minutes on the clock, a cross from the Austrian attack deflected onto the arm of substitute Saleem Obaid inside the box. Beida again consulted the monitor and pointed to the spot.

Arnautovic, Austria's all-time record goalscorer, stepped up and sent Abulaila the wrong way, drilling the penalty into the bottom corner to make it 3-1. The 37-year-old veteran had his goal — and this time it counted.

"Perhaps justice for his disallowed goal earlier in the half," the BBC's Jonty Colman wrote.

Austria move into second place in Group J after Argentina — led by a Lionel Messi hat-trick — beat Algeria 3-0 earlier in the day. The victory is Austria's first at a World Cup finals since a 2-1 win over the United States on 19 June 1990, and their first appearance at the tournament since 1998.

"It wasn't a vintage performance of a Ralf Rangnick side — but it's three points in their first World Cup game for 28 years. That is what matters most for the Austrians," the BBC reported.

Jordan, competing in their maiden World Cup, can take considerable heart from their display. Olwan was named player of the match with an average rating of 8.00, and the team's organisation and spirit caused Rangnick's side real problems.

"I think the scoreline flatters Austria and maybe Jordan were a little bit unlucky," Reid said. "Rangnick and Austria won't care — three goals and three points in your first game."

Austria face reigning champions Argentina on Monday (18:00 BST) in a daunting test that will likely decide who tops Group J. Messi's hat-trick against Algeria left him level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals — one more and he becomes the outright all-time top scorer in the competition's history.

Jordan will look to bounce back against Algeria on Tuesday (04:00 BST) before closing their group campaign against Argentina. If they can reproduce the performance they delivered in Santa Clara, they may yet have a say in the destiny of Group J.