Argentina overcame a spirited Australian team 2-1 thanks to a clinical finish by Lionel Messi in the 35th minute and a predatory goal by Julian Alvarez in the 57th minute. Australia's goal came via an Enzo Fernandez own-goal in the 77th minute.
The South Americans, who seem to be getting better as the tournament goes on, will next face the Netherlands in the quarterfinals on December 9. Australia can leave Qatar with their heads held high after giving Argentina a tough match, especially in the first half. The team also looked remarkably composed in possession, considering not many of their players have experience playing at the highest level.
The superior Argentina players dominated possession, as expected, though Australia had one good early attack. For the first 20 minutes, Argentina averaged 70 per cent of the possession. The attacks came predominantly down the left flank. Papu Gomez, who came in for Angel Di Maria, looked sharp and linked up well with a roaming Messi. Argentina also won the ball back within an impressive 12 seconds for the first 20 minutes; Australia averaged over 40 seconds.
But, Australia soon came into the game more. A sustained spell of possession by them led to the game's first corner, though the Socceroos could not make it count. The Australians continued to work the ball well to find former Manchester City and Huddersfield Town man Aaron Mooy in space in the defensive midfield role. The 32-year-old, who now plays for Celtic in Scotland, was key to the way Australia build their attack. The team also chose to press selectively and conserved energy in the first half.
Australia's 6'6" centre-back Harry Souttar should have scored from another corner. But, the Stoke City player looked to knock the ball down for a teammate instead of heading towards goal. Mitchell Duke, who scored a brilliant header to get Australia the win against Tunisia in the group stages, was a constant menace. The striker, who plays his club football in Japan, also showed some neat touches. But, Australia lost the momentum after a silly foul given away by left-back Aziz Behich.
Though the initial free-kick was defended, Argentina won the second ball. A deft touch by Gomez found Messi, who passed into the centre and made a run inwards. Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister collected Messi's pass and played the ball to centre-back Nicolas Otamendi in Australia's box. Otamendi seemed to have miscontrolled the ball rather than set it up for Messi. But, it fell nicely for Messi just inside the box to the right of the goal. The Argentine captain, who was playing his 1,000th match for club and country, took a great touch and calmly placed the ball low into the far corner to score his third goal of the tournament and his first goal ever in the knockout stages of a World Cup.
The second half started much the same way, with Argentina keeping the ball well. But, the higher energy levels from Australia were evident. There was a moment of concern for Argentina in the 47th minute when Duke charged down goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. A rushed Martinez's kick deflected off Duke, but Australia could not sustain the attack.
Argentina brought on Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez in the 49th minute for Gomez, who hobbled off injured. Left-back Marcos Acuna moved forward ever so slightly and Martinez slotted in at the left side of defence, changing the defence into a back five with Martinez and Cristian Romero either side of the veteran Otamendi in the central defensive positions.
In the 53rd minute, Duke's eyes lit up after a poor back pass from Otamendi. But, the goalkeeper reacted fast to clear the danger. The match was turning into a cagey affair. But, a mistake from Australian captain Mathew Ryan gifted Argentina a second goal in the 57th minute. The goalkeeper reacted to a standard back pass with a poor first touch. Then, under pressure from Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, Ryan gave the ball away to Julian Alvarez, who finished instinctively to extend his team's lead.
Argentina continued to press hard, denying the Australian players a way forward. Messi rolled back the years with a superb run around the 65th minute and was denied a clear shot on goal only by a last-ditch tackle by Australian right-back Milos Degenek. Argentina continued to attack and were now dominating the game. Messi blasted a shot over goal in the 66th minute. Lautaro Martinez, who came on for Alvarez, was a constant threat.
Australia's best chances were from set pieces. But, the deliveries into the box were not good enough. However, the team got a huge slice of luck in the 77th minute. A shot by substitute Craig Goodwin took a wicked deflection off midfielder Enzo Fernandez and went past a stranded goalkeeper into the goal. The belief came flooding back for the Australians. This was epitomised by an outstanding, Messi-esque run by the left-back Behich around the 80th minute. He looked certain to score, but was denied by a stunning block by Lisandro Martinez.
Another brilliant run by Messi gave Lautaro Martinez a good chance in the 88th minute. Messi got past Australian defenders with ease before putting it on a plate for his younger teammate, but he shot over the bar. Messi's magic continued into the seven minutes of added time as he terrorised the Australian defence. But, resolute defending and good saves by Ryan prevented a third goal.
Australia had a golden chance to draw it in the 97th minute. With almost the last touch of the game, 18-year-old forward Garang Kuol turned and shot on target. But, goalkeeper Martinez held on.
