Round of 16: Sparkling Holland, Unconvincing Argentina

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Qatar 2022 Matchday 14

Round of 16 day 1

 

By Gerald Lutchman

IT was the start of the knockout on Saturday and there were no surprises as the two teams expected to qualify to the quarterfinals did so – Argentina and Holland.

Holland were explosive and played excellent football while Argentina were less convincing but has the headmaster of the school of football on their side.

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Argentina 2 vs Australia 1

This game was always going to be tough for Argentina because Australia play tough football. In the first half, Argentina were slow and it seemed they were conserving energy. Lionel Messi scored another goal with some deft touches to break the deadlock. In the game, he had several amazing runs and created several chances. The best was a pass to Laturo Martinez that took out the entire Australian defence and Martinez, as has become the norm, missed an open goal.

This was Messi’s 1,000th game and also the first time he has scored in a World Cup knockout game. It was his 789th career goal, 94 of those for Argentina and is the top joint scorer in Qatar.

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Julian Alverez added the second goal in a very fortunate manner due to a mistake of the goalkeeper. He proceeded to bury the ball into the net. Australia also had a spot of fortune when Argentina conceded an own goal through Enzo Fernandez after Craig Goodwin fierce shot hit him and gave goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez no chance. The last 13 minutes saw Australia come alive and almost equalized in the last minute. Only the brilliant Emiliano Martinez saves the game from extra time.

Argentina under Lionel Scaloni has been transformed into a side that is more concerned about winning than looking good. It is the final result that is important and moving on to the next round.

Argentina face Holland next on Friday at 11 am local time.

Holland 3 vs USA 1

In a much more one-sided game, Holland outplayed the USA quite easily. Holland were quick, alert and passed with a sharpness that was missing from the first round. They seemed eager and hungry. Their match-up with Argentina will be a test for both sides. In a game where the USA had the major possession, 59%, more shots at goal (17) and more shots on target (eight) they still came out as losers.

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Memphis Depay started the scoring in the 10th minute with a beautiful goal. This was followed with a goal from Daley Blind (45th +1). The USA got one back in the 65th, thanks to Haji Wright. It was game on but a serious defence lapse allowing Denzel Dumfries (81st) to score after his two assists. This killed out the game. The USA paid the price for not having a pure striker. They must wait until 2026 when they are going to be co-hosts with Mexico and Canada.

Holland are much improved but the USA like Australia is not a true test. The true test will be Argentina, and whoever wins this game will be there on the 18th of December with an opportunity to lift the cup.

Sunday’s  games

France vs Poland 11 am

England vs Senegal 3 pm

 

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