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Argentina
2
Match Complete
Australia
1
| 77' |  | E. Fern??ndez | ||
| J. ??lvarez | | 57' | ||
| 38' |  | M. Degenek | ||
| L. Messi | | 35' | ||
| 15' | | J. Irvine |
| 14 | Shots | 5 | ||
| 5 | On Target | 1 | ||
| 8 | Fouls | 15 | ||
| 1 | Corners | 3 | ||
| 4 | Offsides | 0 | ||
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 | ||
| 0 | Yellow Cards | 2 |
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The Socceroos take on the might of South American powerhouse Argentina in a World Cup Round of 16 knock-out clash. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 6am (AEDT).
In what has been the wildest of roads through qualification, an intercontinental playoff and a complex group stage in Qatar, the Socceroos have found themselves in a Round of 16 match-up with Argentina.
It is has been nothing less than a superhuman effort from the Australians as they bounced back from a 4-1 defeat to France with wins over Tunisia and Denmark, securing them a birth in the knock-out phase of the tournament.
Coach Graham Arnold has backed a small, core group of players thus far and will potentially do so again this morning, with Craig Goodwin the one most likely to make way after struggling against Denmark in the first half.
Mathew Leckie, Aaron Mooy and Jackson Irvine will be required to empty their tanks yet again, should the Australians have any chance against what looks a formidable Argentinian team.
Lionel Messi has already found the net twice in Qatar, Angel Di Maria and Lautaro Martinez loom as serious threats on the flanks and the Socceroo defence that has performed so admirably will be called on time and time again.
Both teams have produced two clean sheets after losing their opening fixtures of the tournament, with Argentina under early pressure after a shock loss to Saudi Arabia. Since, they have been efficient and precise in disposing of Mexico and Poland; dominating possession statistics and creating multiple chances in front of goal.
The Socceroos’ results have come off the back of low possession and the ability to counter quickly, something that will be a challenging task against what does look an imposing Argentinian defensive unit. After considerable squad rotation, the South Americans have the depth of resources that the Socceroos do not; a potential key factor in deciding the winner of this contest.
It is history on the line for the Socceroos yet the emotion will need to be set to one side, with the most diligent and disciplined of performances required in the famous green and gold strip. If the tournament has taught us anything to this point, it is that upsets are more than achievable and the Socceroos will be hoping for another, based on the grit and determination they have shown thus far in Qatar.
Prediction
It looks just too fanciful to see a Socceroo win against one of the most professional and well-organised teams at the World Cup. As hopeful as Australian fans may be, this challenge is an even greater one than what was presented by the world No.10 Denmark.
It will be a brave and gutsy effort from the Aussies, with the class of the Argentinian front three eventually breaking the damn wall in the second half.
Venue: Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar
Kick-off: 6am (AEDT)
TV: SBS
Live stream: SBS On Demand
Odds: Argentina $1.20; Draw $6.50; Australia $15 – odds via PlayUp
Catch all the action on The Roar‘s live coverage from 6am (AEDT).
Teams
Socceroos
Mat Ryan, Andrew Redmayne, Danny Vukovic, Milos Degenek, Aziz Behich, Joel King, Nathaniel Atkinson, Fran Karacic, Harry Souttar, Kye Rowles, Bailey Wright, Thomas Deng, Aaron Mooy, Jackson Irvine, Ajdin Hrustic, Keanu Baccus, Cameron Devlin, Riley McGree, Awer Mabil, Mathew Leckie, Jamie Maclaren, Jason Cummings, Mitchell Duke, Garang Kuol, Craig Goodwin, Marco Tilio
Argentina
Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, Franco Armani, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, German Pezzella, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Marcos Acuna, Nicolas Tagliafico, Juan Foyth, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Guido Rodriguez, Papu Gomez, Enzo Fernandez, Exequiel Palacios, Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, Paulo Dybala, Angel Correa, Thiago Almada
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