Argentina still lives
Big first for Lionel Messi. The Argentinian genius finally scored in the knockout phase of the World Cup and his selection, Argentina, beat Australia 2 goals to 1 on Saturday December 3 in Doha in the round of 16 of the World Cup 2022.
The elf of Albiceleste, with a shot placed (35th), then Julian Alvarez after a blunder by Australian goalkeeper Mathew Ryan (57th), allowed Argentina to have the « Socceroos » Australians, who still reduced the gap thanks to an own goal from Enzo Fernandez (77th).
By the way, “Leo” Messi notably joins Frenchman Kylian Mbappé, his partner from Paris Saint-Germain, at the top of the 2022 World Cup scorer rankings with three goals.
The Netherlands faithful to the meeting
Earlier in the day, the Netherlands overcame valiant Americans. With a Memphis Depay finally scoring and a decisive Denzel Dumfries on his right wing, the Batavians gave up the American safe three times (3 goals to 1) to clinch their ticket for the quarter-finals on Saturday in Doha.
The United States dreamed of a feat within the framework of their operation to promote the « soccer » for the 2026 World Cup, which they will co-organize with Mexico and Canada. But the American dream only lasted five minutes, when Team USA came back 2-1 in the final quarter of an hour before Denzel Dumfries burst in to breathe life into the Oranje fans and their coach.
The poster between Argentina and the Netherlands will be superb Friday, December 9 in the setting of the Lusail stadium. On this occasion, the selection of the late Diego Maradona will remember their first World Cup won at home in 1978, beating the Dutch in the final.