SOCCER: Algeria come from behind for 2-1 World Cup win over Jordan

SANTA CLARA, California — Algeria rallied from a goal down to defeat Jordan 2-1 on Monday, keeping alive their hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage and eliminating their opponents from Group J contention.

After a long and frustrating effort to break down a disciplined Jordanian defense, Algeria turned the match around with two goals in a 13-minute span in the second half, scored by Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri.

Jordan had absorbed sustained pressure for much of the match and took the lead in the 36th minute. A defensive error sparked a swift counterattack, which was calmly finished by Nizar Al-Rashdan, who placed his shot low into the corner.

Algeria found the equalizer in the 69th minute when substitute Benbouali rose to head home a corner delivered by Riyad Mahrez. The comeback was completed eight minutes from full time as Gouiri reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and poked in the winner.

-Reporting by Martin Petty; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters