FIFA WORLD-CUP QATAR 2022 (SMI-SPORTS-NOV. 20- DEC. 18, 2022)-Argentina (FIFA World#3), the 2-time World Cup champions and top contender to win the World Cup Qatar 2022, defeated Australia 2-1, in a hard-fought knockout stage game of the FIFA World Cup 2022 taking place in Qatar.

With the victory, " La Albiceleste" advances to quarterfinal match against the Netherlands who defeated USA 3-1, in the other knockout game on Friday Dec 09, at Lusai Stadium, in Qatar 14:00pm(ET/US).

A hard and physical game from the start with both teams minimizing the risk and keeping the ball in the midfield. Argentina went to the attack but the Australian solid defensive line kept all their offensive attacks out of goal target.

After numerous counter-attack through the side field corners, Argentina opened the score first through Lionel Messi at 35' minute of the game. The play was originated through the right side field with Messi passing the ball to Alexis MacAllister  who in an effort to give it to Ottamendi inside the 18', the ball deflected off his right foot back to Messi who kicked a low rolling left footed to the far corner to put the Albiceleste 1-0, over the Australians at the half.

After eleven minutes played in the second half, Australia's goalkeeper Mathew Ryan in an effort to clear the ball from inside the 18', mistakenly looses the ball to Argentinian's Julian Alvarez who tapped the ball with a right footed into back of the net to put Argentina 2-0, over Australia at 57' minute of the second half.

The Socceroos answered back 20' minutes later to cut the deficit 2-1, through Enzo Fernandez at 77' and pressured all away to the end of the second half but failed to find the equalizer, with game ending 2-1, in favor of Argentina over Australia.

With the win, Argentina advances to the quarterfinals and will face The Netherlands who defeated USA 3-1, in the other knock-out round game on Next Friday December 09, at 14:00pm (ET/US).