Argentina and Austria meet in Dallas with Group J lead at stake
Lionel Messi returns after a hat-trick as Argentina face Austria in a World Cup match that could put the winner close to the knockout stage.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
3 min read
Argentina face Austria on Monday in Dallas with first place in World Cup Group J on the line. Both teams won their opening matches, and Al Jazeera reported that another victory would put either side close to a place in the round of 32.
The match is scheduled for 12pm local time at Dallas Stadium, which is 17:00 GMT. Argentina enter as defending champions, while Austria arrive after starting their campaign with a 3-1 win over Jordan.
Messi drives Argentina’s start
Lionel Messi opened Argentina’s title defence by scoring all three goals in a win over Algeria in Kansas City. Al Jazeera reported that the 38-year-old’s hat-trick was his first in a FIFA tournament and lifted him to 16 World Cup goals, level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose on the tournament’s all-time scoring list.
Messi, playing in his sixth World Cup, made his 200th international appearance against Algeria. His Argentina career began in 2005, and he now plays club football for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer after spells at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
Algeria have since filed a formal complaint to FIFA’s refereeing commission, according to Al Jazeera, arguing Messi should have been sent off for stepping on captain Aissa Mandi’s calf during the match.
Austria look beyond Argentina’s captain
Austria captain David Alaba told reporters that his team must account for more than Messi. He said Austria know the quality Argentina have throughout their squad and what they can produce as a team.
Ralf Rangnick’s side beat Jordan in their Group J opener, with Marko Arnautovic converting a penalty in the 102nd minute. Al Jazeera reported that Austria will look to use their pressing game to unsettle Argentina and build a case to top the group.
Argentina assistant coach Pablo Aimar told FIFA that Austria would pose a different test from Algeria. He described Austria as a physical side and said many teams at this World Cup have been difficult opponents.
Group position and form
Argentina and Austria both have three points, with Argentina ahead on goal difference. Jordan are third and Algeria fourth, with both yet to earn a point.
The tournament format sends the top two teams from each of the 12 groups to the next round, along with the eight best third-placed teams. Al Jazeera reported that the round of 32 is being used at the World Cup for the first time.
Argentina have won their past eight matches and kept clean sheets in all but one of them, according to Al Jazeera. Austria have also been in strong form, winning their pre-World Cup friendlies and entering this match with four wins and a draw in their past five games.
Team news and prediction
Argentina right-back Gonzalo Montiel is a doubt because of a hamstring issue, with Nahuel Molina expected to replace him if needed. Austria also have a concern at right-back, with Stefan Posch unlikely to play because of a broken jaw.
Arnautovic is pushing for a starting place after coming off the bench against Jordan. Al Jazeera’s predicted Argentina lineup includes Emi Martinez, Cristian Romero, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Messi and Lautaro Martinez, while Austria’s projected side includes Alexander Schlager, Alaba, Marcel Sabitzer and Sasa Kalajdzic.
Stats company Opta rates Argentina as strong favourites, giving them a 60.1 percent chance of winning. Opta puts the draw at 22.4 percent and an Austria win at 17.6 percent, and ranks Argentina fourth among World Cup title contenders.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.