Argentina are the most popular choice to defeat Australia to fulfill Lionel Messi's desire to win his very first World Cup. They more than any other team have learned not to be an underdog, and especially the tough-fighting Socceroos on a Saturday.
Argentina was among the most devastating shocks of World Cup history with their first loss against Saudi Arabia but recovered their confidence to beat Mexico and Poland to reach the final 16.
Australia is ranked 35 spots lower than Argentina has already exceeded expectations with two wins to secure their spot at their home stadium in Qatar's Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium for one of the biggest tournaments that they have ever had. Each team had just two days of rest, something that Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni called "madness".
We've fast reached the point where we don't have time to let this be absorbed, just take it easy ... It's a process of recovery"Recovery, Recovery, Recovery," concurred Australia's assistant coach Rene Meulensteen. But the one thing I am able to assure you that we'll be there,statement by jfdbet online casino malaysia.
Relieved and exhausted after reaching an World Cup knockout stage for only the second time, Australia will have to take on the match of their lives to defeat an Argentina team that has potential from the front and back.
They'll be counting on the same strength and muscle, as well as the never-say-die mentality that helped defeat Tunisia and Denmark and was exemplified by the hulking defensive player Harry Souttar, who has performed at a high level even though he has only recently returned from a long layoff. They are strong. Anyone who thinks that the match with Australia is easy is naive, Argentina's Scaloni said.
His team will be cheered on by an immense fan base as Argentines demonstrate that they are probably the loudest and the biggest fans in Qatar. Argentine striker Angel Di Maria was taken off for a precautionary reason in their final game against Poland but is likely to be able to partner Messi in the future, even though Scaloni will have plenty of options to the Australians.
The quarter-finals are an ultimate goal for Australia However, for Argentina it's an unattainable goal for the nation in their quest for the third World Cup trophy. Messi is in his fifth and final attempt to take home the World Cup and match his great predecessor Diego Maradona in the number 10 shirt, is in peace with his fans like never before and is relishing the chance to please them even more when he plays Australia.
