Image copyright: Getty Images
2022 FIFA World Cup
Last 16
Argentina v Australia
Ahmad bin Ali Stadium
Al Rayyan, Qatar
Saturday, 3 December 2022
Kick-off is at 20h00
Argentina will be aiming to take a step closer to their third
World Cup title when they face Australia in the last 16 on Saturday, December 3.
La Albiceleste's challenge got off to the worst possible start when they squandered the lead against Saudi Arabia to lose 2-1 in their Group B opener, which halted an impressive 36-match unbeaten run.
However, Lionel Scaloni's side gave the perfect response to that setback by beating Mexico 2-0 and Poland 2-0 to finish top of their group.
Lionel Messi has led the charge with two goals and one assist - the 35-year-old forward missed out on the chance to extend his scoring streak to seven consecutive games when he failed to convert a penalty against the Eagles last time out.
Messi set a new record for his country on Wednesday, November 30 when he surpassed Diego Maradona for appearances made at the World Cup with 22. He is just four behind the late Argentina legend for most chances created in the tournament (67).
Commenting on his latest achievement, Messi said: "I learned it recently, I didn't know it. It's a pleasure to be able to continue to achieve these kinds of records.
"I think Diego would be super happy for me because he always showed me a lot of affection, he was always happy when things went well for me."
Not many gave the Socceroos a chance of making it out of Group D after they lost 4-1 to France in their opening match.
But Graham Arnold's team bounced back with successive 1-0 wins against Tunisia and Denmark to book their passage to the knockout stages for the first time since 2006.
Image copyright: Getty Images
Arnold expressed pride in their accomplishment after winning two games on the spin at the global showpiece for the first time in the national team's history.
"I'm just so proud of the players, the work ethic, the commitment, the fight that they had and the way they played," he said.
"I'm just so proud that we've been able to put smiles on people's faces. It's the first time an Australian team has won two games in a row at the World Cup.
"Maybe we're talking about a new golden generation now, because we've been listening and hearing about the golden generation of 2006, who got four points and now we've got six."
Head-to-Head:
Matches - 2
Argentina - 2
Australia - 0
Draws - 0
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