Schmid finds the net to give Austria 1-0 lead over Jordan

The final game of a blockbuster Day 5 kicked off in Santa Clara — and Austria have made a breathtaking start with 1-0 lead over Jordan of Group J match at the Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California on Wednesday (June 16).

Romano Schmid let fly from outside the box and buried it with his right foot, sending Austria up 1-0 over Jordan.

Schmid found the ball at the edge of the box and fired a curling strike into the far corner, well beyond the reach of the Jordanian goalkeeper.

The goal carries enormous historical weight. It is Austria's first World Cup goal since 1998 — and what a beauty it was, struck from outside the penalty area.

Austria had largely dominated time of possession in the opening stages, though Jordan had taken a couple of shots on goal, showing they were not simply there to make up the numbers.

The 26-year-old Werder Bremen attacking midfielder lines up in his natural attacking midfield role for Ralf Rangnick's side. Austria fielded a 4-4-2 with Alexander Schlager in goal, and a strong spine including captain David Alaba, Xaver Schlager, Marcel Sabitzer, and Sasa Kalajdzic alongside Schmid up front.

This Group J opener at Levi's Stadium is a crucial battleground for points behind massive favourites Argentina, who beat Algeria 3-0 in the group opener courtesy of a Lionel Messi hat-trick.

For Austria, this match is viewed as a perfect opportunity to reinforce their rising reputation, while Jordan — making their first-ever World Cup appearance — were eager to prove their history-making generation can shatter expectations.

Austria are firmly in control. The next 70+ minutes will tell if they can hold on and claim a vital three points in Group J.