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Argentina vs Australia (Image Source: Twitter)
Argentina took on Australia on 4 December 2022 in the ongoing FIFA World Cup. It was the second match of the Round of 16. However, the match took place in Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. Lionel Messi’s Argentina came to this clash after topping Group C with six points from three games.
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On the other hand, Australia sealed the second spot in Group D with six points in three games. So, the stage was set for a good battle between these sides. However, eyes were on Lionel Messi again as everyone was expecting to see him go all the way in this year’s tournament. In the last match, he missed a penalty. So, fans were expecting a better show from the Argentine superstar.
Argentina defeated Australia 2-1 in FIFA World Cup 2022
Both teams were looking for a steady start since the kickoff. Argentina and Australia were looking to develop some concrete chances to open the scoring. But, both of them were unable to break the final third of each other. However, in the 35th minute, Argentia got the lead as Lionel Messi scored the opener. Nicolas Otamendi provided the assist.
With this goal, he even managed to surpass Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of goals scored in World Cups. Now, Lionel Messi has nine goals to his name in World Cups compared to Ronaldo’s eight goals. Thus, the first half ended 1-0. In the 57th minute, Julian Alvarez scored the second goal for Argentina. It was a poor pass back from Kye Rowles which put Australia's goalkeeper Matt Ryan under pressure. Alvarez took the advantage and scored that goal in an empty net.
Then, Australia managed to score a goal in the 77th minute. Craig Goodwin broke the deadlock for the Aussies. It was a volleyed effort from 25 yards out. Then, in the 82nd minute, Australia had a chance to equalize the game. But, Aziz Behich's effort went over the bar as Lisandro Martinez came up with a defining slide. After that, Argentina managed to hold the lead till the final whistle and the game ended 2-1 in favor of them.