Argentina will clash with Netherlands in the first confirmed quarter-final tie of the 2022 World Cup.
Lionel Messi was the star of the show as Albiceleste beat Australia 2-1 on Saturday.
Messi marked the 1,000th senior game of his career with a measured finish for the breakthrough goal late in the first half and Mat Ryan’s error allowed Julian Alvarez to double the advantage early in the second.
There were late scares for Argentina after Craig Goodwin’s shot deflected in off Enzo Fernandez and it needed a dramatic tackle from Lisandro Martinez and a fine save from Emiliano Martinez for them to hold on.
It was a spirited effort from Graham Arnold’s side who can be proud of their tournament but it is Messi and Argentina who will face the Netherlands in the last eight.
This is not always a fluent Argentina side but with the little genius in the team they can dream.
