Mahrez retires from Algeria duty after World Cup exit

Mahrez retires from Algeria duty after World Cup exitImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Riyad Mahrez made his debut for Algeria in 2014ByMohamed MoallimBBC Sport JournalistPublished3 minutes agoCommentsAlgeria captain Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football following his side's 2-0 defeat by Switzerland in the last 32 of the World Cup.The 35-year-old confirmed the decision after the match, bringing the curtain down on a 12-year international career in which he earned 120 caps and scored 40 goals for the Desert Foxes."The goal was to progress, and I think it was a game that was within our reach," Mahrez said. "We conceded two goals on mistakes, and at this level, we pay dearly for that."Asked whether the loss in Vancouver would be his final World Cup appearance, Mahrez replied: "It's my last appearance even with the national team. It was my last game."Switzerland beat Algeria for first World Cup knockout win in 88 yearsMahrez finishes his Algeria career as the country's second-most capped player, behind only team-mate Aissa Mandi's 123 appearances, and second on the all-time scoring list with 40 goals, trailing only Islam Slimani's 49. He captained Algeria to Africa Cup of Nations glory in 2019, memorably scoring a stoppage-time free-kick in the semi-final against Nigeria before his side beat Senegal in the final to lift their first continental title since 1990.The former Leicester City and Manchester City winger also enjoyed his finest World Cup campaign this summer. He registered three goal involvements in four matches, scoring twice against Austria and providing an assist against Jordan, with no Algerian player ever recording more in a single edition of the tournament. To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedFigure caption, Algeria and Austria both qualify for last 32 after dramatic injury-time goalsHe also became the seco...