After a surprise win against Denmark – for the second time in Socceroos history, Australia has advanced to the Round of 16 Knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup to match their previous best tournament result.
The last time Australia progressed out of the group stage of the FIFA World Cup was in 2006 when Australia went on to face Italy in the Round of 16 – going down to the future World Cup champions in the final minutes from a suspect penalty.
Was it a penalty?
For Australia to go one step further in 2022 they now must go through another football powerhouse in Argentina and arguably the G.O.A.T of football Lionel Messi.
Has Australia played Argentina before?
You might be surprised to know that Australia has not only played Argentina seven times but has won against Argentina before.
Australia won its first-ever meeting with Argentina back in 1988. Australia beat the then-world champions 4-1 at the Bicentenary Gold Cup exhibition tournament.
From there on it has been all Argentina with the Socceroos losing five times and drawing once against the football giants.
What time does Australia v Argentina start?
Perth football fans will need to set their alarms for this historic match-up.
The Socceroos will play World Cup favourites Argentina at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan at 3:00am on Sunday, December 4th local time (AWST).
- Date: Sunday, December 4th
- Time: 3:00am local time (ASWT)
Can Australia beat Argentina?
For Australia to upset Argentine, it would have to go down as one of the biggest sporting upsets ever – but that won’t get in the way of the Aussie never-say-die spirit.
Australia is currently in 38th place in the FIFA World ranking with 1488 points, and Argentina on the other hand is currently in 3rd place with 1774 points behind Belgium (2) and Brazil(1).
Australia’s strength on the pitch is with their defensive mindset led by Harry Souttar and Mat Ryan, outside of the first group game when France scored 4 goals, Australia has gone on to provide 2 clean-sheet performances against Denmark and Tunisia.
But, will their defence be enough to stop the offensive power of Argentina?
Will Australia’s counterattack be able to break through Argentina’s equally strong defence – having given up only 2 goals in the group stage?
With Messi on his quest for World Cup glory – the match-up and the circumstance might be too much for the Socceroos – but that won’t stop us from setting our alarm for an early start to cheer on the green and gold.
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Feature image: Pro Shots/Sipa USA
