Doha: Argentina are scorching favourites to beat Australia on Saturday (Sunday 12.30 am IST) in pursuit of Lionel Messi’s dream of profitable a primary World Cup, however they greater than anybody have discovered to not underestimate an underdog, particularly the hard-battling Socceroos.
Argentina suffered one of many largest upsets in World Cup historical past with their opening defeat to Saudi Arabia, however recovered their poise to swagger previous Mexico and Poland into the final 16.
Australia, ranked 35 locations beneath Argentina, have already surpassed expectations in profitable twice to earn their place at Qatar’s Ahmad bin Ali Stadium this weekend for one of many largest video games of their historical past.
Each groups have solely two full days to relaxation, an element Argentine supervisor Lionel Scaloni referred to as “insanity”.
“We have virtually bought no time to let all of it sink in, take pleasure in it … it is restoration, restoration, restoration,” concurred Australia’s assistant coach Rene Meulensteen.
“However one factor I can inform you, we shall be prepared.”
Overjoyed and exhausted after reaching the World Cup knockout stage for under the second time, Australia must play the sport of their lives to beat an Argentina facet oozing expertise from entrance to again.
They are going to be counting on the identical health, muscle and never-say-die angle that noticed off Tunisia and Denmark, epitomised by hulking defender Harry Souttar, who has performed out of his pores and skin regardless of solely simply getting back from a prolonged layoff.
“They’re robust. Anybody who thinks the match in opposition to Australia shall be straightforward is mistaken,” Argentina’s Scaloni mentioned.
His facet will once more be roared on by an unlimited following as Argentines present themselves to be simply the loudest and presumably the most important fan base at Qatar.
Argentine striker Angel Di Maria was taken off as a precaution of their final recreation in opposition to Poland however needs to be match to play alongside Messi once more, although Scaloni has loads of choices to throw in opposition to the Australians.
Australia’s coach Graham Arnold celebrates with Riley McGree and Mitchell Duke after qualifying for the knockout part. Photograph: Reuters/John Sibley
Reaching the quarterfinals could be dreamland for Australia, however for Argentina it’s a naked minimal nationwide expectation as they search a 3rd World Cup trophy.
Messi, on his fifth and last quest to win the World Cup and match his nice predecessor Diego Maradona within the No. 10 shirt, is having fun with a concord with followers like by no means earlier than and shall be relishing the possibility to please them additional in opposition to Australia.