Football

World Cup 2022: Argentina v Australia Predicted Lineups

World Cup 2022: Argentina v Australia Predicted Lineups
Lionel Messi of Argentina reacts during the Group C match between Poland and Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar, November 30, 2022. Photo by Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu/ABACAPRESS.COM - Photo by Icon sport

Argentina and Australia meet today at 18:00 CET in an all-southern Hemisphere clash at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in the Qatar World Cup’s final round of 16. This is a tie perhaps more commonly associated with Rugby Union but today the side’s will be battling it out for a place in the tournament’s quarter-finals where the winner will face either the USA or the Netherlands.

Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina began their World Cup in less than spectacular style with a 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia. The South-Americans would go on to live up to their reputation as one of the tournament’s favorites however. They topped their group with subsequent 2-0 wins over Mexico and Poland.

The side will be firm favorites when they line out in today’s fixture. Led by Lionel Messi, who scored against Saudi Arabia and Mexico, the Argentineans will feel they have a chance against any side. The side’s other goalscorers have been Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez , Julian Alvarez of Man City, and Alexis McAllister of Brighton and Hove Albion.

Scaloni has opted to play four at the back in all three of the side’s previous games in Qatar, and they have looked unusually solid since the shock defeat to the Saudis with either Lisandro Martinez or Christian Romero accompanying veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi in the center-back positions.

Argentina Progress to the Final 16 after Topping Group C

Australia will be hoping to take lessons from Saudi Arabia and shock their two-time World Cup winning opponents by beating them and progressing to the quarter-final stages for the first-time ever. Graham Arnold’s Socceroos have been nothing if not pragmatic but it was just enough to finish second in their group and qualify for the last 16 for the first time since 2006.

The side were drubbed 4-1 by reigning champions France in their opening group game but they soon got a grip and consecutive 1-0 wins over Tunisia and Denmark saw fans celebrate on the streets Down Under. Much of the squad is made up of players who may not be regular starters for their clubs in Europe and beyond but have done well as a unit for their country. They have had three different goalscorers for each of their three goals in Qatar so far.

Winger Craig Goodwin netted against France while striker Mitchell Duke scored the winner versus Tunisia. Matthew Leckie was the hero against Denmark when the Melbourne player netted on the hour mark to see his side through.

Arnold has meddled with his Australia’s formation in the tournament. He began with a 4-1-4-1 lineup against France but after a terrible defeat he has opted for a straight up 4-4-2 in the last two games and he is likely to do the same against Argentina. The center-back partnership of Stoke’s Harry Souttar and Heart’s Kyle Rowles could be vital in stopping Argentina taking the lead and they will have to be vigilant against their opponents massive firepower up front.

Argentina v Australia Predicted Lineups

Argentina: D. Martinez, N. Molina, C. Romero, N. Otamendi, M. Acuna, R. De Paul, E. Fernandez, A. Mac Allister, A. Di Maria, L. Messi, J. Alvarez.

Australia: M. Ryan, M. Degenek, H. Souttar, K. Rowles, A. Behih, M. Leckie, A. Mooy, J. Irivne, C. Goodwin, R. McGree, M. Duke.


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