When Argentina start the decisive phase of the World Cup against Australia, a successful performance depends, as so often, on Lionel Messi. But he has never met in the knockout phase.
For Lionel Messi and Argentina, the World Cup started with a shock. After the 2-1 defeat by Saudi Arabia, coach Lionel Scaloni’s team immediately had their backs to the wall. The title dream for Messi threatened to burst after the preliminary round at what was probably his last World Cup.
Because things didn’t look good for them against Mexico for a long time “Albiceleste”. The tournament favorites seemed unimaginative, harmless and vulnerable. It was the 67th minute when Messi got the ball about 20 meters from the Mexican goal – criminally unmarked. He had half a second, which was enough for him to take the ball with one touch and set it aside. When Mexico’s Héctor Herrera reached Messi, he had already turned away to celebrate.
Messi’s goal works like medicine
It was a scene the likes of which had been seen dozens of times in the little genius’ long career – and yet this goal could become one of the most important of his career. Because it not only served as a door opener for the knockout phase, it had a medicinal effect on the Argentine team.
Because since then, the Scaloni team has played as if changed, is more confident, hardly allows any chances on defense and on offense the wheels suddenly mesh. The dream of the World Cup title, Argentina’s first since 1986 and the crowning glory of Messi’s career, seems more realistic again.
Sacloni praises Australia: “They are a good team”
Especially since a comparably small stumbling block awaits the great football nation in the round of 16 with Australia. Something that Scaloni naturally doesn’t want to hear. The shock from the game against Saudi Arabia is still too present. “I do not agree with it”said coach Scaloni when a journalist suggested Australia were a significantly worse team than Argentina. “They are a good team. We have to forget about being favorites and play a game of football. We want to play like we did in the last few games.”he said.
It may be that Scaloni has to drastically change the offensive. Because Ángel Di María threatens to fail with a muscle injury. The winger was absent from the final training session. “We hope he gets fit. If he tells me he’s fit, he’ll play”explained the Argentina coach.
Messi’s goal curse at World Cups
After the group stage, it could depend even more on Di María. Because Messi has not scored any of his more than 700 career, 93 national team or eight World Cup goals in the knockout stages of a World Cup. He played for Argentina in four tournaments during this crucial phase of the World Cup. Now entering his fifth knockout phase, he may need to break that curse if he wants to have a shot at the title.
Scaloni hopes for the next “home game” against Australia
Perhaps it helps that Argentina fans have flocked to Qatar for the World Cup and watched the games “Albiceleste” feel like home games. “Hopefully against Australia it will be like it was against Poland. It was like playing in Argentina”said Scaloni, adding: “We always feel the support of the people. When 80 to 90 percent of the stadium is Argentinian, even more so. We are forever grateful to them.” For Argentina fans, a win against Australia would be the best way to show that gratitude. Preferably with a goal by Messi.