There was no doubt in the minds of soccer fans all around the globe that Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina would be one of the favorites going into this year’s world cup.
After an upsetting defeat suffered in the clash against Saudi Arabia in their opening game, the La Albiceleste have come into their own, seeing the group stage off in fine form and defeating round of 16 opponents Australia with a score line of 2-1 yesterday.
Argentina scored twice, once in each half. When Lionel Messi scored in the 35th minute of what was his 1000th career appearance, it seemed as though his side was destined to breeze past the Socceroos.
#Qatar2022 🎙 Lionel Messi: “Me enteré hoy de que era el partido número 1.000. Vivo el momento, disfruto de lo que estamos pasando y estoy feliz por dar un pasito más, por conseguir el pase a cuartos de final”. pic.twitter.com/IHBnpjrLbQ
— Selección Argentina 🇦🇷 (@Argentina) December 3, 2022
Later, in the 57th minute, Julian Alvarez scored Argentina’s second and gave them some breathing room.
The Australians, for whom it was only a second round of 16 appearances, did not make it easy and fought back bravely after substitute Craig Goodwin had an attempt on goal which was deflected past Emiliano Martinez and was recorded as an own goal by Enzo Fernandez.
A late Australian attempt on goal was saved by the Villa goalkeeper before eventually, the referee blew the whistle for full-time to Australian heartbreak and Argentine relief.
Did their country proud 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/K4XdpDmKz8
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 3, 2022
Argentina, on the back of a nervy second half, still managed to come out on top and have now qualified for the quarter-finals, in which they will face the Netherlands, who won their game against the United States.
Lionel Messi claims Argentina was “tired” before their match with Australia
Lionel Messi was relieved to see his side progress into the latter stages of the competition, and after the game even acknowledged the competition put up by Australia.
He also said that this victory was very welcome for the united support of Argentinian fans and for the players who have collectively shown immense resolve in progressing to this stage.
Messi said, “It was a tough game, a tough day. We had very little time to rest. We were tired. It was a very physical game. We’re happy with this victory and another step forwards. We’re through, that’s the important thing.”
One of his statements in the post-match interview, however, stood out from the rest as he complained of an already physical game being even more difficult due to lesser recovery times.
It’s hard to blame the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, considering how incredibly packed 2022 has been in, terms of the schedules of club-level soccer all around the world, to make room for the world cup in Qatar.
Messi-led Argentina to face Netherlands in the quarter-finals
Courtesy of goals from Messi and Alvarez, Argentina was able to progress to the quarter-finals, despite a late fightback by the Aussies.
Messi’s side will now face off against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals, who claimed victory against the USA yesterday before Argentina vs Australia game.
Goals from Barcelona forward Memphis Depay, Ajax veteran Daley Blind, and Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries, all contributed towards a 3-1 victory for Louis van Gaal’s Dutch side who are proving themselves to be quite the contenders too, as they are yet to be defeated this World Cup.
#WorldCup Classic incoming! 🇳🇱🇦🇷#NEDARG pic.twitter.com/ahfWAnNcdC
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) December 3, 2022
Argentina V Netherlands is guaranteed to produce an exciting game of soccer as it will be interesting to see how a philosophically attacking manager in Lionel Scaloni fares against a veteran of defensive-minded soccer tactics, Louis van Gaal.
Stay tuned to get match timings for the USA, match predictions, and more!
