Argentina were too good for an admirable but limited Australian side, who nonetheless leave the tournament with honour. In an surprising development, Lionel Messi was the star. He enlivened a dreadful first half with a fine goal and gave Australia the runaround after the break. The love-in might be slightly weird – Messi could stink out a lift and everyone in there would say thank you - but he really was majestic in the second half.
Julian Alvarez scored the second goal after a mistake from Mat Ryan, but Australia gave Argentina big scare at the end. Craig Goodwin’s wayward shot deflected in off Enzo Fernandez, Aziz Behich almost equalised after an amazing solo run and finally the teenager Garang Kuol was denied brilliantly by Emi Martinez in the 97th minute.
Thank you, Australia - Bravo, Argentina!
Published By Claude B Djaquis
03/12/2022
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