Argentina vs Australia Match Analysis & Prediction
03/12/2022 10:00 pm
After dramatically overcoming their groups, Argentina and Australia will meet at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Saturday to continue their World Cup adventures in the knockout stages. The Albiceleste recovered from a shock opening loss to Saudi Arabia, while the Socceroos defeated Denmark in midweek.
Argentina overcame a faltering start to their latest World Cup campaign by topping Group C after defeating Poland 2-0 on Wednesday.
Argentinian coach Lionel Scaloni brought in Alexis Mac Allister, who scored the opening goal only seconds after the interval, and Julian Alvarez in place of Giovani Lo Celso and Angel Di Maria.
The European champions were eventually rewarded for 90 minutes of dominance when Mac Allister struck shortly after half-time to give Argentina an advantage they never relinquished.
Alvarez later added a second goal to send Argentina as group winners, leapfrogging Poland in the standings as they progress to the last 16 alongside runners-up Croatia and Mexico.
Australia has lost their last four meetings with Argentina, but the Socceroos earned a 2-0 win last year when two very different squads clashed at the Tokyo Olympics.
Yet, Graham Arnold’s men are riding the crest of a wave before arriving in Al Rayyan for a date with destiny that sees them participating in the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since 2006.
The Australians defied expectations to finish second in Group D behind defending champions France, doing so only on goal difference after winning two of their three fixtures – against Tunisia and then Euro 2022 semi-finalists Denmark.
Argentina vs. Australia Head to head
Both sides are yet to face each other at any stage of the competition and this marks their first encounter.
-
03/12/2022N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
-
03/12/2022N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
-
03/12/2022N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
-
03/12/2022N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
-
03/12/2022N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Argentina Team News
Lionel Scaloni could alter his starting lineup, though he will be reluctant to do so with a strong winning record. Lisandro Martinez could come into contention for a place in central defence, while Nicolas Tagliafico aims to usurp Marcos Acuna at left-back.
Enzo Fernandez is set to hold off the challenge of Leandro Paredes, who has been consigned to the bench in both matches at the finals.
Argentina's Last 5 Matches
-
30/11/2022Poland0Argentina2World Cup
-
26/11/2022Argentina2Mexico0World Cup
-
22/11/2022Argentina1Saudi Arabia2World Cup
-
16/11/2022UAE0Argentina5International Friendlies
-
28/09/2022Argentina3Jamaica0International Friendlies
Australia Team News
Australia may also make a few changes, depending on the outcome of Nathaniel Atkinson and Fran Karacic’s injuries. Keanu Baccus replaced Craig Goodwin at halftime against Denmark, who seamlessly slotted into the midfield next to Aaron Mooy.
Therefore, Graham Arnold may include St Mirren midfielder Baccus again in his squad for Saturday’s friendly against Brazil.
Australia's Last 5 Matches
-
30/11/2022Australia1Denmark0World Cup
-
26/11/2022Tunisia0Argentina1World Cup
-
22/11/2022France4Australia1World Cup
-
16/11/2022New Zealand0Australia2International Friendlies
-
29/08/2022Australia1New Zealand0International Friendlies
Argentina vs. Australia: Odds and Predictions
Main Prediction
Home Win: Yes
Best Odds
1000% Super Multi Bonus
Up to 10 times (1000%) larger winnings on bets placed during Happy Hour
CLAIM BONUS
