Australia's participation in the FIFA World Cup came to an end, but they did their country proud with a valiant effort that pushed the Albiceleste until the very end.
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For the Argentines, goals from Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez put them in a commanding position. However, Australia fought back as Craig Goodwin’s effort, which was counted as an own goal in the 77th minute, deflected off Enzo Fernandez. However, despite their heroic efforts, the Green and Gold team was eliminated from the competition. Only one alteration was made to Graham Arnold’s starting lineup for the victory over Denmark. In actuality, the XI started the second half, with Riley McGree moving to the wing as Keanu Baccus, making his first Socceroos start, replaced Craig Goodwin.
In addition, Mat Ryan and Mathew Leckie surpassed Tim Cahill and Mark Bresciano to become the first Australians to make 10 appearances at the FIFA World Cup. La Albiceleste had the majority of the possession at the start of the match, forcing Australia to defend relatively deep in a tight 4-4-2 shape with two low blocks. Argentina didn’t have a shot at goal until the 17th minute, and it was Papu Gomez who blazed miles wide of the goal from outside the box. The 35th minute saw Messi score with a cool finish as Australia let up the tournament’s first goal for the first time, having produced essentially no chances up to that point.
A recycled free-kick from Alexis Mac Allister found Nicolas Otamendi, and the centre-back’s touch created the opportunity for the Argentine legend to score his third goal of the current World Cup and first knockout goal. Australia eventually gained more possession higher up the field as Argentina played patiently with the ball, but it was unable to put goalkeeper Emi Martinez to the test. In the 57th minute, Alvarez doubled the score after displacing Ryan and having his finish seep into an empty.
After Messi drew three defenders before locating the unmarked Inter Milan striker, Lautaro Martinez then curled his effort wide of the top corner as the game grew tense. Ryan made a pair of excellent stops as the Australians threw bodies forward. Kuol managed to turn and fire in the final seconds of play after controlling Goodwin’s cross, but Martinez smothered the attempt out of desperation. Australia’s participation in the FIFA World Cup came to an end, but they did their country proud with a valiant effort that pushed the Albiceleste until the very end.
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