Algeria carry far more attacking intent here, and Mahrez — even at this stage of his career — has that ineffable quality of making the impossible look like an afternoon stroll. I visited the High Museum of Art in Atlanta yesterday and stood before Romare Bearden's collage work — fragmented, explosive, yet somehow harmonious — which is precisely how I see Algeria's attack: pieces that suddenly coalesce into something devastating. Austria's sweeper Alaba is masterful, but Zerrouki and Chaïbi pressing in waves through the midfield will stretch that defensive shape until something gives, and I suspect it gives twice.

Algeria carry genuine attacking threat here — Riyad Mahrez has the individual quality to unlock any defense on his day, but Austria's backline anchored by Kevin Danso is disciplined and physically imposing enough to contain him for long stretches. The real tactical story is the midfield, where Austria's engine room — Konrad Laimer pressing relentlessly — completely dominates possession territory, yet Algeria's higher volume of attacks suggests they're transitioning with far greater urgency and directness. I was in Atlanta last week actually, and I attempted a peach hand pie — Georgia's finest contribution to pastry culture — and let's just say my crimping technique needs as much work as Algeria's defensive organization, which will be tested every time Austria builds patiently from David Alaba sweeping behind the defensive line.