Qatar 2022: Argentina Beats Australia Under Duress

Argentina though under some duress, eliminated Australia in the round of 16 of the World Cup. They are now set to face the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.

The show was run by Lionel Messi and his teammates for most parts but Australia was unfazed and hung on despite Argentina’s dominance.

The Albiceleste in possession, faced an Australia side with a clear project: to hold on, put their backs against goal, and to go against Argentina when they could.

Argentina pushed and ended up finding the net via the eventual man of the match in the evening, Lionel Messi. He was assisted by Julian Alvarez at the 35th minute.

The Australian plan looked to be shattered as they needed to open the game a little.

When the both teams came back from the locker room, Argentina picked up the pace from where they left.

Messi struck well on a perfectly weighted pass from De Paul, but it was easily gathered by Mathew Ryan before the 50th minute mark.

At the other end, Cristian Romero almost unsettled Emiliano Martinez from a poor back pass by Nicolas Otamendi.

after random attacks, Ryan committed a howler. He was entangled between two opponents and had the ball stolen by Julian Alvarez, who made it 2-0 at the 57th minute.

The second goal sort of wiped out any ounce of hope from the small contingent of the traveling Australia fans.

Out of nowhere, a powerful strike from Craig Goodwin was fortunately deflected and made it 2-1 against the run of play at the 77th minute.

Goodwin’s effort from 25 yards out touched Fernandez’s face and wrong-footed the goalkeeper! It went down as an own goal for the Benfica midfielder, and gave the Socceroos a chance with 13 minutes left.

Coach Graham Arnold and his charges took confidence from the own goal and nearly equalised. A simple one-two in midfield got Behich in a bit of space, which he used to gather pace on a charge towards goal. The full-back got all the way into the penalty area and took a touch before he saw his shot blocked behind by a tackle from Lisandro Martinez.

In borrowed time (90+7), Australia threatened. A cross to the far post was controlled inside the penalty area with a lovely touch by Kuol, who immediately found himself in enough space to turn. The substitute fired a low shot that Emiliano Martinez saved superbly, to the relief of all Argentina.

Argentina are qualified – but will have to closer contest the Netherlands.