GWT: World Cup - Round of 16 - Argentina v. Australia

[bluesfan94]

vs.

​

Teams: Argentina v. Australia
Time and Date (CST): Saturday, December 3, 1:00 PM
Venue: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
Storyline: In a fun matchup between alphabetically dominant teams, La Albiceleste face off against the Socceroos, with a matchup between the Netherlands or the United States the reward. Argentina entered the tournament as one of the favorites, in part due to their possessing the greatest soccer player of all time (arguably) Lionel Messi, who came into this game saying this would be his last World Cup, one of the only trophies that has eluded him. Argentina was dealt an unexpected road bump in their opening match, losing to Saudi Arabia, who entered the tournament as an afterthought. With the pressure on, Argentina grinded out a 2-0 win against Mexico before dominating Poland, again with a final score of 2-0. The pressure will be on for Argentina to show they can beat an AFC team and to continue its run toward a cup.

Australia, on the other hand, is playing with house money. Drawn into a tournament with two European teams perceived to be dominant, few gave Australia a chance to get through this group. In their first match, they scored an early goal against France, before conceding a handful and falling 4-1. Their second match featured a tough fight with Tunisia, with a first half goal proving the difference for the Aussies. They entered the final matchday against Denmark needing a win to guarantee qualification. A 60th minute goal put them ahead, a lead they would not concede and would end up needing, as Tunisia upset France.

These nations have squared up plenty of times in rugby but only 7 times in in soccer, with Argentina winning 5, including the last 4 in a row, most recently in 2007, Australia winning once, in their first meeting in 1988, and with one draw.

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[Duchene2MacKinnon]

I expect a similar line up for Argentina. Maybe Lautaro in for Alvarez. ADM has a knock ( who didn't see that coming) really hope he rests at some point.

If they can match what they did today, Argentina should see this through.

 

[jcs0218]

One has to like Argentina's chances in this game.

 

[Savant]

I expect a similar line up for Argentina. Maybe Lautaro in for Alvarez. ADM has a knock ( who didn't see that coming) really hope he rests at some point.

If they can match what they did today, Argentina should see this through.

I think Argentina has to start Lautaro AND Alvarez. Can’t drop Alvarez after the game he just had

 

[Duchene2MacKinnon]

I think Argentina has to start Lautaro AND Alvarez. Can’t drop Alvarez after the game he just had

Then who would you drop? I would like to rest ADM. BUt not sure thats possible.

Alvarez-Lautaro-Messi
Alexis-RDP
Enzo

Could work

 

[Savant]

Then who would you drop? I would like to rest ADM. BUt not sure thats possible.

Alvarez-Lautaro-Messi
Alexis-RDP
Enzo

Could work

ADM. You also just posted the vibes lineup

 

[bluesfan94]

If they can match what they did today, Argentina should see this through.

I don't think they need to hit even that level. Australia's backline isn't good.

 

[Duchene2MacKinnon]

I don't think they need to hit even that level. Australia's backline isn't good.

In an elimination game anything can happen.

 

[TheGreenTBer]

Out of curiosity from a novice, and I know it's a matter of opinion, but I'd be curious as to what the biggest upset in the Round of 16 ever was.

 

[Duchene2MacKinnon]

Looks like ADM cant go tomorrow... insane that they're only given 2 days of rest.

 

[Savant]

History repeats

 

[Duchene2MacKinnon]

No ADM confirmed. Will be replaced by Papu or Angel. Come on please Correa. Although it should probably be Lautaro.

The midifeld will be unchanged

 

[Duchene2MacKinnon]

Papu starts ffs

 

[Duchene2MacKinnon]

A bit nervous with Alvarez starting against those big cbs of Australia. Martinez might be able to deal with their physicality better.

Expecting a tight 1-0 game night even see ET

 

[Gecklund]

A bit nervous with Alvarez starting against those big cbs of Australia. Martinez might be able to deal with their physicality better.

Expecting a tight 1-0 game night even see ET

Smart to keep your expectations low. I’m thinking a 4-2 win for Argentina.

 

[Karterthadon]

Argentina should be handle to manhandle this team the same way France was able to. The "always teetering on the brink of disaster" act is wearing thin, they're a football powerhouse, time to act like it.

 

[Duchene2MacKinnon]

Smart to keep your expectations low. I’m thinking a 4-2 win for Argentina.

After saudi game I take nothign for granted and expecting the worst tbh

Don’t see Argentina scoring 4 and I doubt that defensive line concedes 2 goals.

 

[Duchene2MacKinnon]

Argentina should be handle to manhandle this team the same way France was able to. The "always teetering on the brink of disaster" act is wearing thin, they're a football powerhouse, time to act like it.

These knock out games are always low scoring because coaches just park the bus

 

[Corto]

After saudi game I take nothign for granted and expecting the worst tbh

Don’t see Argentina scoring 4 and I doubt that defensive line concedes 2 goals.

Australia won't have more than one half-chance in the entire game.
If you repeated this tournament 100x, they don't make the 2nd round 99/100 times. Anything but an easy Argentina would be the biggest miracle in WC history.

 

[Power Man]

So I played Argentina vs Australia in FIFA
Argentina winning 1-0, Messi scoring in stoppage time with a low shot, assisted by DePaul

 

[N o o d l e s]

After saudi game I take nothign for granted and expecting the worst tbh

Don’t see Argentina scoring 4 and I doubt that defensive line concedes 2 goals.

Saudi game was a one off after traveling to Qatar and haven’t been playing together due to league seasons imo

 

[gary69]

Australia need a miracle to get them through.

 

[Blender]

Seeing an upset would be nice but I don't expect one.

 

[Duchene2MacKinnon]

Seeing an upset would be nice but I don't expect one.

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[gary69]

Papu starts ffs

I feel bad for Dybala, all these inferior and almost washed up players getting to play ahead of him. Dybala has been million times better than Di Maria this season in Serie A, not to even mention Papu Gomez not being in the same ballpark for Sevilla.

But it's been the story of his career all the time, unfortunately.