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Argentina, the World Champions, are ready to be back again on the field again. The La Albiceleste will face Australia tomorrow in a friendly in Beijing, China. However, Argentina knocked out Australia from the round of 16 in the Qatar World Cup. Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez scored in this match to beat Australia by a 2-1 margin. However, Australia will look for revenge over Argentina in Beijing.
Argentina are in superb form. Apart from the shocking defeat against Saudi Arabia, Argentina have been unbeaten for the last four years. During this time, the La Albiceleste played 45 games, where they lost only one. However, The World Cup winners have played two games after the World Cup. Argentina were ruthless in those two games, scoring nine and conceding zero. Lionel Messi scored four goals in those two games, including a hat trick.
Team News
There is a long injury list in the Argentine squad. Lisandro Martinez, while Juan Foyth, Papu Gomez, Angel Correa, Paulo Dybala, and Lautaro Martine are not in the squad for the match against Australia. There was doubt over Julian Alvarez, but the Argentine has arrived in China. Manager Scaloni will decide whether he put Alvarez in the starting XI. However, the manager called Alejandro Garnacho for the first time. The match against Australia could be Garnacho’s first match for La Albiceleste.
Like Argentina, Australia will miss several players due to injuries. Aaron Mooy, Craig Goodwin, Jason Cummings, Aziz Behich, Milos Degenek, Jackson Irvine, and Bailey Wright are out of the squad.
The Possible Lineup for Argentina:
E. Martinez; Montiel, Otamendi, Romero, Acuna; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Alvarez, Garnacho
The Possible Lineup for Australia:
Ryan; Atkinson, Souttar, Rowles, King; McGree, Metcalfe, Hrustic; Leckie, Maclaren, Borrello
Scaloni’s thoughts
Argentine boss Lionel Scaloni has had a pre-match press conference. He believes the team has to continue playing with great passion. The manager said, “We are going to have memories for a lifetime [winning the World Cup], they are indelible. But in my case and that of my coaching staff, we are thinking about what is to come, continue because football continues, the Argentine National Team continues and has to continue competing. The memory is indelible. But we’re not thinking about the world championship every day. That’s good to keep our attention on what’s to come, which is going to be very difficult.”
Scaloni also talked about Messi joining in MLS club Inter Miami. “I am happy that he has decided to go play for a club and a city that will treat him wonderfully, he will be fine and happy playing football, which is what we all want, regardless of the league or the country. Whatever it is, the important thing is that he feels good and there he will have the conditions so that he can have a good time, that’s what it’s all about, he’s earned it and he deserves it,” the manager added.
