Argentina route to FIFA World Cup final explained: Knockout opponents, dates, venues, live streaming info
Argentina can potentially face arch-rival Brazil in the semifinal and Portugal in the final, which will be a World Cup showdown between Messi and Ronaldo.
Published : Dec 05, 2022 21:59 IST
Argentina players celebrate after the 2-1 win during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Australia at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. | Photo Credit: Michael Steele/Getty Images
Copa American champion Argentina came into the FIFA World Cup 2022 as one of the tournament favourites. Unbeaten for 36 games, Lionel Scaloni’s men were on a roll coming into Qatar.
However, Lionel Messi and his men started their campaign in the worst way possible, suffering a 2-1 loss against Saudi Arabia, and soon doubts were raised over whether La Albiceleste can even qualify from the group stages.
But the loss is a thing of the past now and Argentina is undefeated since. It clinched 2-0 wins against Mexico and Poland and qualified as Group C topper.
In the Round of 16 clash against Australia, it beat Australia 2-1 courtesy of goals by Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez to set up a quarterfinal date with the Netherlands.
Which teams can Argentina face in the semifinal?
If Argentina beats the Netherlands in the quarters, it could face Croatia (Group F runner-up) or arch-rival Brazil (Group G winner) in the semis.
The semifinal will take place at the Lusail Stadium on December 13.
Which teams can Argentina face in the final?
Since Argentina topped Group C, it will meet a team that is from the other side of the bracket.
In the final, Argentina can face defending champion France (Group D winners), England (Group B winners) or Portugal (Group H winners), which will be a World Cup final showdown between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The World Cup 2022 final will be played on December 18 at the Lusail Stadium.