Lionel Messi produced a moment of trademark quality to score the opener in a 2-1 win over Australia and send Argentina into the quarter-finals of the WorldCup on Saturday. | Sport24news
Messi's 789th goal in his 1,000th career appearance -- but first in the knockout rounds of the World Cup -- helped set up a last-eight clash with the unbeaten Netherlands on Friday.
Australia's yellow-shirted fans were vastly outnumbered among the packed crowd at the 45,000-capacity Ahmad bin Ali Stadium and were drowned out by Argentina's boisterous, bellowing and bouncing supporters. Two-time champions Argentina were the victim of arguably the biggest shock in Qatar when they went down 2-1 to Saudi Arabia in their opening match.Graham Arnold's Socceroos set out to unsettle their opponents. Keanu Baccus left one on Messi and Jackson Irvine was booked for crunching into left-back Marcos Acuna.
Instead, they self-destructed. Goalkeeper and captain Mathew Ryan tried to play out under fierce pressure in his box from hard-running Rodrigo De Paul just before the hour and was dispossessed by Alvarez.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Messi & Argentina set up quarter-final date with Netherlands | KickOffLionel Messi was on target as Argentina secured a 2-1 win over Australia to set up a FIFA World Cup quarter-final clash against the Netherlands. Read more ➡️
Read more »
Messi Inspires Argentina To WC Last 8 In 1000th Appearance | Soccer LadumaLionel Messi scored on his 1000th career appearance as Argentina advanced to the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals by defeating Australia 2-1 on Saturday night. SLInt MORE:
Read more »
Beating Brazil tempers Cameroon disapppointment over World Cup exitCameroon were the last African side with a chance of getting through to the last 16 of the World Cup, but they were always up against it after failing to win in their opening two games in Qatar and having Brazil as opponents in their last Group G game on Friday.
Read more »
GEAROID REIDY: Japan’s shakes off patronising opinions as world cup team prospersJapan can look proudly at its sporting victories in the past two decades and hope for more from the team nicknamed Samurai Blue
Read more »
OFFICIAL: Ghana coach steps down after World Cup exit | KickOffGhana coach Otto Addo has opened on his decision to step down from his role after the Black Stars were eliminated from the FIFA World Cup. Read more ➡️
Read more »