Key Points
- The Socceroos took on Argentina in the round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
- Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez scored for Argentina, while Craig Goodwin scored for Australia.
- Argentina will now progress to the quarter-finals, while Australia has been eliminated from the tournament.
Australia has been knocked out of the World Cup after losing to Argentina 2-1 in the round of 16 at the
In his 1000th career appearance, seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi scored the first goal of the game for Argentina in the 34th minute.
Argentinian striker Julian Alvarez capitalised on a virtually unmarked goalpost in the 59th minute to cement the second.
The second goal was described as a "horror moment" for Australia by commentators after Socceroos goalkeeper Matty Ryan moved away from the post to defend against two strikers, before Alvarez tapped the ball into the post.
Craig Goodwin then scored virtually out of nowhere for Australia in the 76th minute, but the Socceroos were not able to find a second goal to even the score.
With just seconds to spare, Garang Kuol had an opportunity to equalise the score but the attempt was smothered by goalkeeper Emi Martinez in the 97th-minute.
Argentina will now progress to the quarter-finals, while Australia has been eliminated from the tournament.
'The mistake cost us': Graham Arnold
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold said he was “proud of the boys” and grateful for their effort, especially playing against the number three in the world.
“I just hope that everyone back in Australia really respects what we've done here and are very proud of us as well,” he told SBS Sport.
“The first goal from Messi was a quality goal. But again, you know, the mistake cost us,” he said, seemingly referring to Argentina’s second goal.
Crowds gathered around Australia at live watch sites
Socceroos fans gathered at Federation Square in Melbourne to watch Australia play Argentina during the FIFA World Cup. Source: AAP / CON CHRONIS
Flares were set off in Federation Square even before the match began, and the Sydney Opera House was illuminated in green and gold on Saturday night in celebration of the men's team qualifying for the round of 16 for the first time since 2006.
Argentina supporters George Kifarkis (centre), Martin Mikhael (right) and Esho Dinkha (left) at the public viewing site in Sydney to watch the Socceroos take on Argentina on Sunday 4 December. Credit: Massilia Aili
"We're in a no lose situation," she told AAP from Federation Square.
“I'm very proud of the team, it was a decent performance but they got the better of us, it happens,” one fan told SBS News.
“It was an amazing atmosphere … it’s been good, because all the other countries doubted us, they underestimated us, so it’s good to see us make it to the round of 16 and prove most countries wrong.”
Socceroos fans watch Australia play Argentina during the FIFA World Cup, at Federation Square in Melbourne, Sunday, December 4, 2022. Source: AAP / CON CHRONIS/AAPIMAGE
“It was nuts, great atmosphere, really good fun,” he told SBS News.
“(The team) were amazing, at the end it could have gone anywhere … they should be really proud.”
Chris Valcanas watched the Socceroos take on Argentina from Federation Square in Melbourne with his son and friends. Source: SBS News
Socceroos hailed for 'courageous' performance
Socceroos great Mark Bosnich praised the 2022 team.
“That’s one of the most courageous Socceroos performances I’ve witnessed in my time,” he said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the crew had an “outstanding” performance.
An emotional Jackson Irvine said his team was “excellent” defensively, in an interview following the match.
"We set out to be compact and disciplined in our shape. We were excellent defensively, we gave up very little,” the midfielder said.
“We did everything we could have. I hope we made everyone proud.”
Argentina will face off with the Netherlands on Saturday, December 10 at 6am (AEDT) in the quarter-finals.
