Argentina will play the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the World Cup after being led by fantastic performances by Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi in the win over Australia.
The South American side were worthy winners on the night and dominated most of the game, with strike partnership Messi and Alvarez finding the net.
Messi’s goal came in the 35th minute after a quiet opening period in which both sides struggled to create. The 34-year-old broke the deadlock, though, with a classic, passed finish into the bottom corner. Alvarez doubled Argentina’s lead after the break when Australia goalkeeper Mat Ryan miscontrolled a back-pass and that took the wind out of the Socceroos’ sails.
They managed to rally towards the end, scoring courtesy of a deflected strike by substitute Craig Goodwin, but it wasn’t enough and Argentina booked a quarter-final showdown with the Netherlands next week.
Simon Collings was at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium to see Argentina in action...
Emi Martinez - 6
Had very little to do all night, really. When Australia did find a way past the Aston Villa goalkeeper it was down to a huge deflection. Made a massive save late on to deny Garang Kuol.
Nahuel Molina - 6
Looked fairly steady for most of the game, but didn’t offer the same threat going forward as Acuna on the other flank. It was his deflection from Goodwin’s shot that took the ball past Martinez.
Cristian Romero - 7
Was the better of Argentina’s two centre-backs and put in a performance typical of his time at Tottenham. Threw himself into tackles and made his presence known.
Nicolas Otamendi - 6
Got an assist for Messi’s goal, but not sure how much he knew about it. Almost had a howler when a back-pass to Martinez was very nearly intercepted.
Marcos Acuna - 7
Had a decent game at left-back as he looked to get forward and cause problems on the overlap. Put in a couple of really dangerous crosses.
Rodrigo De Paul - 7
Brings energy and plenty of running to Argentina’s midfield. Was everywhere early on and did his best to raise the tempo. Is the ideal foil to Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister.
Enzo Fernandez - 6
Not at the level he has been for Argentina in other games at this tournament. Played very deep and feels like he’d be more suited playing further up the pitch, as he does for Benfica.
LIONEL MESSI SCORES IN HIS 1000TH GAME 🔥
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 3, 2022
That's 789 goals for the Argentina forward as he scores his first #FIFAWorldCup knockout strike 🤯#BBCFootball #BBCWorldCup pic.twitter.com/pioPUpZnhI
Alexis Mac Allister - 7
Has enjoyed a brilliant first half of the season with Brighton and has carried that form into the World Cup. Very neat and tidy on the ball.
Julian Alvarez - 8
Has been one of Argentina’s best players at this tournament so far. Brings so much energy to their forward line and deserved his goal tonight. An opportunistic finish.
Lionel Messi - 9 | Star player
The great man’s 1000th game in football and, of course, he turned up. Was having a quiet game and then burst into life with a well-taken goal in the 35th minute. Created two brilliant chances for Lautaro Martinez, which he should have scored.
Papu Gomez - 5
Didn’t really get into the game much and he was taken off shortly after half-time as Argentina moved to a back-three. Place will be under threat in the quarter-final.
Substitutions
Lisandro Martinez (Gomez 50’) - 7
Came on as Argentina shifted to a back-three and looked solid. Made one vital block to deny Aziz Behich late on.
Lauturo Martinez (Alvarez 71’) - 4
Is pushing to get back into the starting XI, but fluffed his lines here. Missed three glorious chances.
Nicolas Tagliafico (Acuna 71’) - 6
Came on and was steady at left-back.
Exequiel Palicios (Mac Allister 80’) - N/A
Gonzalo Montiel (Molina 80’) - N/A
