QATAR: In FIFA 2022 World Cup being played in Qatar, the knockout competition continued at the World Cup on Saturday as Argentina defeated Australia, 2-1, in the round of 16.
Messi-led Argentina to qualify for the quarter-final
Argentina, with world star Lionel Messi in what could be his final World Cup, were among the top favorites to win the tournament and managed to finish Group C and reach the quarter-finals despite their defeat. defeated Saudi Arabia in their first match.
Australia notched their first win over defending champions France to finish at second position in Group D and reach the knockout stages for the second time, but their run ended here.
Lionel Messi scored first goal in the match and Julián Álvarez capitalized on a mistake by Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan as Argentina won 2-1 in their last-16 tie on Saturday.
Messi scored in the 35th minute. The ball bounced off Nicolás Otamendi in the path of the Paris Saint-Germain striker. He took a touch, then deflected the shot into the back of the net goal.
Álvarez doubled this lead in 57th minute of the match when Ryan broke a dribbling position. The Argentine striker benefited from good pressure from his teammates, turning the ball into an empty net.
