News

Argentina survive a scare against Australia as Lionel Messi scores to surpass Maradona as Argentina second highest FIFA world cup scorer.

The South Americans will play the Netherlands who defeated USA 3-1 earlier today  in the Quarter finals

Argentina opened the scoring five minutes past the half hour mark and who else if not Leonel Messi. Messi’s initial free-kick into the six-yard box was repelled by Souttar, but the Albiceleste regain possession and look to hit from a central position in the second phase. Mac Allister played a pass into Otamendi, whose first touch teed Messi up for a shot expertly and the captain met it with a sweet hit into the bottom-left corner to beat Ryan!

Julian Alvarez doubled the lead for the South Americans twelve minutes into the second half. Argentina’s pressing payed dividends, with the midfield stepping up immediately to try and win the ball back following Ryan’s throw. A poor pass back from Rowles put the goalkeeper under pressure inside his area and allowed Alvarez to steal it back and slot into an empty net!

The Socceroos pulled one back to put themselves back in the game. It was a goal out of absolutely nowhere, with Goodwin’s effort from 25 yards out following a repelled cross taking a touch off Enzo Fernandez’s face and wrong-footing the goalkeeper!

Lionel Messi made his 1000th career appearance in this marking it with a goal that saw him surpass Maradona as Argentina second highest goalscorer in World Cup history. He’s now one goal behind Batistuta and won’t ruled out the seven times ballon winner surpassing the legendary striker.