Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup after another extraordinary performance in his 1,000th match which made the Australian team who were brave to be eliminated despite being too late to rise.
Messi opened the score in the first half after Argentina had difficulty breaking the Socceroos defense, fired his left foot to the bottom corner after starting the movement with a sprint to the penalty area.
Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan gave Julian Alvarez a simple opportunity to make it 2-0 after 57 minutes, apparently making Argentina beyond reach.
But the strange purpose was deflected to give the end of Australia's end, Craig Goodwin's shot bouncing at Enzo Fernandez. The kick weave Aziz Behich into the box ending with a severe tackle by Lisandro Martinez, and in the 97th minute, Kuol's fierce shot was saved at close range by Emi Martinez.
Argentina is a good value for their victory, but Australia leaves the tournament with an upright head.
Sporting News tracks down the direct score and highlights for Argentina vs Australia at the 2022 World Cup. See below for complete comments from the Round of 16 matches in Qatar.
Argentina Comments 2-1 Australia, highlighted from the 2022 World Cup
Full time!
Everything ended and Argentina escaped, but Australia should be very proud of themselves after a thrilling campaign!
Minute 96: Fierce Kuol is very close!
The teenager rotates from an angle and shoots, but Emi Martinez made a fantastic beam with her chest!
95 minutes: Everything is full of action, with Lautaro Martinez and Lionel Messi has more shots blocked by a despair of Aussie.
93 minutes: a few seconds later, and Lionel Messi fired through the goalpost. Nobody has ever given up on this person.
Minutes 92: Lautaro Martinez shot low but Mat Ryan's left foot thwarted him.
90 minutes: There is still time for surprises - there will be an additional seven minutes.
Minutes 89: Harry Souttar and Emi Martinez did sets-to after the high ball was collected. Sottar is 6 feet 6 - I won't match him ...
Minutes 87: Lautaro Martinez rolled the ball in front of the goal, but no one can do a conversion. A few seconds later, Lionel Messi's brilliance gave Lautaro Martinez the opportunity to score goals, but his shot was far from the target.
Minute 85: Argentina keeps the ball well to take air from Australian balloons. If they come out, Socceroos can be very proud of themselves.
78 minutes: Extraordinary running from Aziz Behich! He drove into the box and looked pulled the trigger when the brilliant tackle from Lisandro Martinez saved the day!
This match is over, alive, alive, I tell you!
Minute 76: GOOOOOAAAAALALLLL !!! Craig Goodwin pulls one back!
It might enter as an own goal, because Goodwin's shot was widened but turned into Enzo Fernandez.