World Cup Round of 16 Live Blog - Argentina vs Australia

AUSTRALIA RUN TO THE THE LAST 16:
Australia 1-0 Denmark 
Tunisia 0-1 Australia
France 4-1 Australia

ARGENTINA'S RUN TO THE LAST 16:

Poland 0-2 Argentina

Argentina 2-0 Mexico

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

While Argentina finished as Group C winners with 6 points and a goal difference of +3, Australia finished as Group D runners-up behind France with 6 points and goal difference of -1

This will be the fifth meeting between both sides.
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HERE IS HOW THEIR HEAD-TO-HEAD LOOK LIKE:
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Australia 0-1 Argentina (Friendly, 2007)

Australia 2-4 Argentina (Confederations Cup, 2005)

Argentina 1-0 Australia (1994 World Cup qualification, 1993)

Argentina 1-1 Australia (1994 World Cup qualification, 1993)

Now, the starting XI from both sides for tonight's game

Australia STARTING XI: Of course, Mathew Leckie who sent Australia through to the knockouts and will want to work his magic once again, will feature for Socceroos tonight

Argentina STARTING XI: This is being widely stated as Lionel Messi's last chance at a World Cup crown, and the Argentine captain will have to step up like he never has before after he missed a penalty in their last game against Poland

Meanwhile, the winner of this one tonight will progress to the quarterfinal where Netherlands are already waiting. De Oranje defeated United States in a feistily contested round of 16 game earlier today

1' And we're underway at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan. Polish referee Szymon Marciniak is the man in-charge tonight

30' Half an hour gone in Al Rayyan, and Argentina have been the more dominant side with over 60% of the ball possesion

STATS SO FAR

Goal Attempts: 1-1

On Target: 0-0

Blocked Shots: 0-1

Free kicks: 5-2

Corner kicks: 0-2

Offsides: 1-0

Yellow Cards: 0-1

A LANDMARK FOR THE FOOTBALL G.O.A.T:
On his 1,000th senior game as a professional footballer. Lionel Messi takes his all-time FIFA World Cup tally to 9 goals

45' There will be 2 additional minutes at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium

Lionel Messi: Second all-time for the Albicelestes

46' We're back with the second half in Al Rayyan: Argentina 1-0 Australia

An early second half substitution for Argentina

Meanwhile, pitch-side view of that Lionel Messi first half goal

60' Argentina 2-0 Australia

Argentina come through with a double change on the 70th-minute mark

Australia make a triple change

75' And we're now into the final fifteen of this game. Does it end this way, or with more Argentine goal? Or, do Australia still have something up their sleeves?

STATS SO FAR

Goal Attempts: 5-1

On Target: 3-0

Blocked Shots: 0-1

Free kicks: 12-8

Corner kicks: 1-2

Offsides: 1-0

Yellow Cards: 0-2

Are we seeing a dramatic finish this? Drama incoming?!

The final set of substitutions for Argentina

WHAT A CHANCE! Australia almost pull level with Argentina as Aziz Behich goes on a mazy run through the defence and into the opposition box, but his attempt on goal is blocked for an Australian corner kick.

MISSED!  A great Argentine build-up by Lionel Messi sees Lautaro Martinez receive a pass in a great position in Australia's box, both his attempt is unable to give Argentina the needed assurance goal

90' There will be 7 minutes added on at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium: Argentina 2-1 Australia

What a dramatic finish to this round of 16 game that was, with Emiliano Martinez with a last minute save to ensure that Argentina progress to the quarterfinal. Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez on the scoresheet for the winners

Fair play to the Australians, but it is Argentina who progress to the next stage to take on Netherlands 

Thank you for joining me for tonight's coverage. Tomorrow is another day for another round of round of 16 fixtures. Do ensure you get a great night's rest. From me, its good bye!