In the second round of the Qatar World Cup, Argentina defeated Australia 2-1 at 3:00 a.m. on December 4 (Beijing time). On December 10, they will compete against the Netherlands for a spot in the semifinals.
And the Argentina vs. Australia match was amazing because Messi was there: Messi played in his 1,000th match of his career. In his previous 999 matches, Messi had 788 goals and 385 assists to his credit. It was also Messi’s 23rd World Cup appearance, tying him with Maldini for third all-time behind Mateus (25) and Miroslav Klose (22).
At the historic event, Messi was supported by his mother, his wife Antonella, and their kids. Another thing to watch is this: Messi has never previously scored in a World Cup semifinal. Can he break the old mark?
The third-ranked nation in the world, Argentina, had gotten 2-1 in their prior group matches. To clinch first place in Group C, they defeated Mexico and Poland after losing to Saudi Arabia. The 38th-ranked team in the world, Australia, also got 2-1 in the group stage, was defeated by France in the first match before defeating Tunisia and Denmark with the score of 1-0 to advance to the round of 16. After the match against Poland, Di Maria’s left thigh contracted, and coach Carlo Scaroni was hesitant to risk further overdraft. This was bad news for Argentina.
Australia’s starting lineup: goalkeeper Ryan, back four are Suthar (1.98 cm), Rawls (1.85 cm), Degnek and Beshi (1.87 cm). The four midfielders are Mooy, Owen, Backes and Leckie. The two forwards are Duke and Macquarie.
Argentina’s starting lineup: goalkeeper is Martinez, and four backs are Nicolas Otamendi, Romero, Molina, Arcunha. The three midfielders are Enzo, DePaulo and McAllister, with Messi on the right wing, veteran Gomez on the left and Alvarez in the middle.
Argentina’s high possession ratio had no impact after the first match. Gomez attempted to cross a ball diagonally into the penalty area during the first three minutes, but an Australian player stopped him. An Argentine player complained about an opponent’s handball, but the referee made no comment. The Australian player was struck in the arm by the ball, as can be seen in slow motion. Argentina’s long pass to the Australian penalty area was headed out as soon as Messi touched the ball and was promptly tackled by the Australian players.
Argentina only had one long-range shot in the first 20 minutes, which came from Gomez. No danger to the rival. Argentina willingly gave the ball away, and the scene was a little boring, perhaps realizing that this style of playing football wouldn’t result in a goal.
Argentina played well and effortlessly in the final 30 minutes, thanks to the promotion of their two wingers, Arcunha and Molina. Lautaro and Taliafiq came on after Alvarez and Arcunha left. When Molina mishandled a pass and Bechi scrambled a 45-degree cross from just outside the penalty area, the Argentine parried it, and Goodwin volleyed it into the path of Enzo in the 77th minute, giving Australia a chance. A blatant change in direction occurs before a fly enters Argentina’s goal, but Martinez did not intervene! Bessie, an Australian left-hander, broke forward on his own in the 80th minute of the match, past four men in a row, and his final shot was blocked by Lisandro.
Messi pushed back in the 88th minute of the match, and he kept the ball in order to draw all defensive attention. Then a shot straight to the 9 – tier stand to keep up with Lautaro! 7 minutes of stoppage time, Messi, pass again amazingly the ball to Lautaro —- the chance, was confiscated by Ryan. Argentina then had several opportunities to extend its lead but failed to do so. At the end, Argentina defeated Australia with the score of 2-1 to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals. In the quarterfinals, they will face off against the Netherlands.