Can Argentina and Messi progress within the quest for a World Cup trophy?
Who: Argentina vs Australia
The place: Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium
When: December 3, 10pm (19:00 GMT)
Argentina are the recent favourites to beat Australia in pursuit of Lionel Messi’s dream of successful his first World Cup.
However they, greater than anybody, have discovered to not underestimate an underdog, particularly the hard-battling Socceroos on Saturday.
Argentina suffered one of many greatest upsets in World Cup historical past with their opening defeat to Saudi Arabia however recovered their poise to swagger previous Mexico and Poland into the final 16.
Australia, ranked 35 locations beneath Argentina, have already surpassed expectations in successful twice to earn their place at Qatar’s Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium for one of many greatest video games of their historical past.
Each groups had solely two full days to relaxation, an element Argentine supervisor Lionel Scaloni referred to as “insanity”.
“We’ve nearly obtained no time to let all of it sink in, get pleasure from it … it’s restoration, restoration, restoration,” concurred Australia’s assistant coach Rene Meulensteen. “However one factor I can inform you, we shall be prepared.”
Overjoyed and exhausted after reaching the World Cup knockout stage for less than the second time, Australia should play the sport of their lives to beat an Argentina aspect oozing expertise from entrance to again.
They are going to be counting on the identical health, muscle and never-say-die perspective that noticed off Tunisia and Denmark, epitomised by hulking defender Harry Souttar, who has performed out of his pores and skin regardless of solely simply coming back from a prolonged layoff.
“They’re powerful. Anybody who thinks the match towards Australia shall be straightforward is unsuitable,” Argentina’s Scaloni stated.
His aspect will once more be roared on by an infinite following as Argentines present themselves to be simply the loudest and presumably the biggest fan base in Qatar.
Argentine striker Angel Di Maria was taken off as a precaution of their final sport towards Poland however ought to be match to play alongside Messi once more, although Scaloni has loads of choices to throw towards the Australians.
Reaching the quarter-finals can be a dream for Australia, however for Argentina, it’s a naked minimal nationwide expectation as they search a 3rd World Cup trophy.
Messi, on his fifth and last quest to win the World Cup and match his nice predecessor Diego Maradona within the quantity 10 shirt, is having fun with concord with followers like by no means earlier than and shall be relishing the prospect to thrill them additional towards Australia