By Daily Sports Nigeria on December 14, 2022

The reigning Copa America champions were disappointed in Brazil back in 2014. However, they finally realised their dream of world domination in 2022.

Argentina had won the World Cup twice in their history in 1978 & 1986.

Argentina finished top of the group with six points. Poland came in two points behind them in second place.

Lionel Scaloni’s men started their campaign on a disappointing note as they lost 2-1 to Saudi Arabia, but came strongly with two consecutive 2-0 victories against Mexico and Poland.

Argentina’s last-16 opponents

In Group C , Argentina finished top, which meant they faced the runners-up from Group D. Australia finished behind France in that pool and went up against the Socceroos in the round of 16.

The game went ahead on December 3, 2022, at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, with Argentina won 2-1.

Argentina’s quarter-final opponents

Argentina faced the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final, drawing 2-2.

In 2018, Argentina were knocked out of the World Cup by eventual winners France in the Round of 16 but came into the finals in fine form, embarking on a 36-game unbeaten run since the 2019 Copa America semifinals, including wining the 2021 tournament at the home of rivals Brazil, Sportingnews reported.

Messi and fellow forwards Paulo Dybala and Angel Di Maria were a key for Lionel Scaloni’s side as they aim to become the first Argentina team to win the World Cup since 1986.

Summarily, Argentina’s opening World Cup match against Saudi Arabia in Lusail saw Group C’s top seeds meet its underdogs.

Scaloni’s men were expected to get off to a winning start before their eye-catching clash with Mexico four days later, but things fell apart.

Having gone ahead via a Messi penalty, a double from Saudi Arabia duo Saleh Al-Sherhi and Salem Al-Dawsari stunned them, and left their initial hopes in tatters.

However, they were back on track against Mexico on November 26. Messi and Enzo Fernandez scored two stunning goals to give the Albiceleste a 2-0 win that breathed life back into their chances of advancing to the Round of 16.

Next up was Poland, ranked 26th in the FIFA world rankings, who threatened to upset Argentina’s campaign in the group decider on November 30. But second-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez saw them through as group winners.

Australia awaited next up for Argentina in the Round of 16 on December 3, and although there was a nervy finale, Messi and Co. got the job done 2-1, courtesy of some more magic from their talisman.

That booked a last-eight meeting with Netherlands on December 9, who came from 2-0 down to force their game to penalties. Argentina managed to triumph 4-3 on penalties.

Argentina crushed Croatia 3-0 to reach finals

An inspired Lionel Messi scored from the penalty spot and Julian Alvarez struck twice as Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 on Tuesday to reach their second World Cup final in eight years. The two-times world champions, backed by a huge majority of the crowd at the Lusail Stadium, produced their best display of the tournament to ensure they will meet the winner of Wednesday’s semi-final clash between holders France and Morocco in Sunday’s final.

Source Punch Ng

Posted December 14, 2022

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