Austria make World Cup return with win over debutants Jordan

Veteran Marko Arnautović scored on his World Cup debut as Austria made their return to the big stage with a 3-1 victory over Jordan in their tournament opener on Tuesday.

The Austrians are making their first men's World Cup appearance since 1998, while Jordan have qualified for the competition for the first time in their history.

Romano Schmid fired in a stunning strike from distance to break the deadlock for Austria in the 21st minute.

Goalkeeper Alexander Schlager was forced into a big save to deny Ali Olwan in the 34th and saw his defence block Mousa Al Tamari 's attempt on the rebound.

But Jordan were level in the 50th as Olwan, their top scorer in qualifying, scored the nation's first-ever World Cup goal.

Arnautović, who is playing his first World Cup at 37, thought he had scored in the 67th, but his goal was ruled out due to a handball.

Austria, however, retook the lead thanks to Yazan al-Arab, who found the net after a corner in the 76th.

And Arnautović eventually got his goal - thanks to a handball. Saleem Obaid's touch inside the box awarded Austria a late penalty, which was converted by the nation's record goalscorer. He is also now their oldest player and scorer at a men's World Cup.