Creative design thanks to Canva
With such a huge disappointment in their opening game against Saudi Arabia, where they lost 2-1 after the 2nd-half onslaught of the Arabians. In fact, all Arabian players are given Rolls-Royce each by their Saudi Arabia prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud after defeating Lionel Messi's Argentina. They also declared that day as a regular public holiday. Imagine, a memorable sporting event celebrated so much. This is football, the passion is what drives this game to be the best sport in the world.
Just like that, by virtue of the highest number of scored points in group C - Argentina tops the group after defeating Lewandowski's Poland, 2-0 thanks to the heroics of Marc Allister & Julian Alvarez. No Messi moment at this time as his penalty was denied by Juventus keeper Szczęsny.
Final table standings, thanks to Google's world cup table feature
Looking at the table above, Argentina is clear with 6 points and was followed by Poland because they led 1 in goal difference against Mexico, what a tough moment for the Mexican fans. This is a day of sadness for the Mexicans because they have a really tough squad, really tough squad and was even the better team when they clashed against Poland.
An Opponent Awaits
After their crazy group stage saga, an even hungrier opponent awaits. Yes, it's true that Australia is currently the lightest opponent that has qualified through the playoffs but one can't deny what a crazy ride they are having right now. They have qualified to the KO stage for the first time since 2006 and huge wins against Tunisia (1-0) and the upset against ranked #10 Denmark (1-0) that booked their ticket as runners-up. In fact, they ended the same points with France (6 pts), only differed in goal difference.
Could this be another upset Australia can get over? Argentina is sure a big fish, top 3 in the current world standings - Copa America 2021 winner - Finalissima winner (against Italy, Euro 2020 champions) - a country with so much talents in football. It's great to see upsets and this is what makes the game exciting, the unpredictability and the fans!
Argentina is Hungry
Messi's memorable Argentina win against Brazil, his first ever Copa America, photo courtesy of LA Times
It's been 36 years since Argentina last tasted the trophy. It was under the era of Maradona where the Argentines are the best in the world. They won two world cups with him and the pressure is on Lionel Messi's side considering he is nearing retirement. This is his last dance and see it in his eyes, this World Cup is a different tournament for him because he knows he will no longer be at his best in the next edition. He will even hang his boots already so this team is doing the best that they could to deliver the promise - a promise that will bring so much joy to the world of football.
We know how important football is for the Argentinians. Others might say this is their religion - they can't live with it. This is also a country that produces the best talents football has began. The likes of Messi-Tevez-Aguero-Mascherano-Di Maria-Batistuta-Higuain are some of the biggest names that in the 200s generation.
Let's enjoy together as Argentina progresses in the knockout stage. I am honestly expecting Argentinians will advance this time, facing Netherlands.