Joseph Petricoin
Contributing Writer
With Argentina having a total of 61% possession, they looked in total control to finish the game with a win.
But, in a world cup, you never know the result till it’s over.
Argentina in the opening 30 minutes came out with a very strong lineup against a team that likes to sit back and defend. Australia was content with defending the whole 90 minutes and trying to counter.
Unfortunately for them, Argentina has this man named Messi who will find a way to make magic in any game. In the 35’ minute, the little boy from Rosario Argentina did it again.
With an effortless kick of the ball, Messi – in his 1000th game ever – found a way to roll the ball in the bottom corner of the goal to put Argentina in the driving seat.
From there on the game opened up. Australia now had to score to even have a chance to advance.
Australia would not go home without putting up a fight.
They were working really hard to find that comeback goal, but their goalie ended up making a mistake which led to a second Argentine goal scored by Julian Alvarez. But still after conceding a second goal, the Australians didn’t give up.
They fought on for another 20 minutes. They scored a goal to make it 2-1. It was an own goal from Enzo Fernandez. The Australians had many chances towards the end of the game, but in the end, the favorites won and advanced onto the quarter finals.
It is moments like these where you must sit back and take in Messi before he is gone.
Today could have been his last world cup game forever, but instead his beautiful left foot sent Argentina to the next round.
Messi was interviewed post game and he said “I am very happy to take another step in this competition, achieve another objective.” Messi talks a lot about how difficult every team will be, but he still believes that they have what it takes to make it all the way. But once again, we’re in the world cup. A place of great victory and defeat.
For some teams, they make the great stage and some get knocked out early to the disappointment of defeat.
For Argentina, they will be on the biggest stage this Friday against the very powerful Netherlands.
Join us to watch Argentina and Messi continue their path to glory.
Email Joseph at:
jpertricoin@live.esu.edu
