It wasn’t easy, but Argentina defeated a strong Australian to win 2-1 at Ar-Rayyan in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 in Qatar on Saturday.
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The only representatives of Oceania in this tournament, despite the immense challenge, defended well and even frightened the “Albiceleste” by scoring a goal in the 77th minute of the game.
In the very last moments of added time, Emiliano Martinez made a very good save from young Garang Kuol, who could have been Australia’s hero at just 18 years old.
It was the 1000th career game for Lionel Messi who took the opportunity to score a good game in the 35th minute. In doing so, he ousted the legendary Diego Maradona with an Argentine record ninth World Cup goal.
Julian Alvarez was very clear in the 57th minute and capitalized on a mistake by goalkeeper Mathew Ryan to score the winning goal.
The Argentines meet the Netherlands in the quarterfinals.