Match Report
Australia’s incredible FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ has ended after falling 2-1 to Argentina in the Round of 16 at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Sunday morning (AEDT).
Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez scored a goal each for the Argentines to put them in a strong position.
But Australia clawed its way back though, after Craig Goodwin’s strike deflected off Enzo Fernandez which went down as an own goal in the 77th minute.
However, it was not enough as a valiant Green and Gold outfit exited the tournament, in what is their most successful appearance to date.
Graham Arnold made just the solitary change to his starting line-up which defeated Denmark. In fact it was the XI that began the second-half, with Keanu Baccus making his maiden Socceroos start, coming in for Craig Goodwin which pushed Riley McGree onto the wing.
Mat Ryan and Mathew Leckie also became the first Australians to register 10 appearances at the FIFA World Cup, surpassing Tim Cahill and Mark Bresciano.
Australia began in a compact 4-4-2 formation, with two low blocks and forced to defend quite deep with La Albiceleste controlling the majority of possession.
It took until the 17th minute for Argentina to generate a shot at goal, and it was Papu Gomez who blazed miles wide of the target from outside the box.
Having created virtually little until that point, that would change in the 35th minute when Messi struck with a composed finish as Australia conceded the opening goal for the maiden time this tournament.
Alexis Mac Allister threaded a pass into Nicolas Otamendi off a recycled free-kick and the centre-back’s touch opened the angle for the Argentine legend to net his first FIFA World Cup knockout goal and third in this year’s tournament.
As Argentina remained patient with the ball, Australia gradually saw more possession higher up the field but failed to test goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
