Argentina defeated Australia 2-1 and progress to the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup at the Al Rayyan Stadium on Sunday.
Argentina began slowly before taking the lead through a trademark Lionel Messi goal in 34′. Aussie keeper Matt Ryan gifted Argentina the second goal after a mistake at the back, which was capitalised by Julian Alvarez in 56′.
Australia struck back through a Craig Goodwin strike took a wicked deflection to creep past Emiliano Martinez in 76′.
Argentina will now face Netherlands in the quarterfinal on December 9.
Lionel Messi won his eighth Man of the Match award in World Cups on Sunday, going past Cristiano Ronaldo, who has seven trophies in the quadrennial showpiece. Former Dutch footballer Arjen Robben, with six Player of the Match awards, is third on the list.
Messi has now moved to the race of the Golden Boot, tied alongside France’s Kylian Mbappe, England forward Marcus Rashford and Cody Gakpo of the Netherlands. Ecuador skipper Enner Valencia has three goals as well but won’t be able to add to his tally as they have been eliminated.
Argentina Starting XI: Martínez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuña; De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister; Messi, Julián Álvarez, Papu Gómez.
Australia Starting XI: Ryan; Degenek, Rowles, Souttar, Behich; Mooy, Irvine, McGree; Baccus, Duke, Leckie.
Picture Courtesy: FIFA Media
