Argentina will look to lock down their place within the World Cup 2026 knockout phases after they face Austria in Dallas on Monday.
The reigning world champions made a powerful begin to Group J with a 3-0 win over Algeria, whereas Austria additionally opened their marketing campaign with three factors after defeating Jordan 3-1.
Lionel Messi as soon as once more stole the headlines in Argentina’s opening match, scoring a shocking hat-trick towards Algeria to remind the soccer world that he stays able to deciding video games on the largest stage.
The 38-year-old is now one aim away from breaking the all-time World Cup scoring report, however his major focus shall be serving to Argentina defend the trophy they gained in Qatar 4 years in the past.
Ralf Rangnick’s Austria had been made to work exhausting for the outcome, ultimately pulling clear within the closing phases after Jordan had threatened to frustrate them for lengthy intervals.
Group information for Argentina vs Austria
Argentina are anticipated to proceed constructing their aspect round Messi, with Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez and Thiago Almada prone to type the midfield unit behind the captain.
Nahuel Molina is predicted to begin at right-back, with Gonzalo Montiel battling a hamstring subject. Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez ought to proceed their partnership in central defence, whereas Lautaro Martinez is about to steer the road alongside Messi.
Austria have a priority over Stefan Posch, who’s coping with a damaged jaw and might be rested as a precaution. If unavailable, Konrad Laimer might change to right-back.
Nicolas Seiwald and Xaver Schlager are anticipated to retain their locations in midfield, whereas Carney Chukwuemeka might proceed within the quantity 10 function behind the assault.
Sasa Kalajdzic might preserve his place up entrance regardless of being substituted at half time towards Jordan, although veteran striker Marko Arnautovic is pushing for a recall after scoring from the bench within the opening match.
Anticipated line-ups for Argentina vs Austria
Argentina beginning XI: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, L Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez, Almada; Messi, Martinez
Austria beginning XI: A Schlager; Laimer, Lienhart, Alaba, Mwene; Seiwald, X Schlager; Schmid, Chukwuemeka, Sabitzer; Kalajdzic
The place to look at Argentina vs Austria: TV channel, on-line dwell stream
The match kicks off on Monday, June 22 at Dallas Stadium. Kick-off is at 18:00 BST.
Within the UK, dwell World Cup matches are anticipated to be broadcast throughout the BBC, with streaming out there by way of BBC iPlayer.
Argentina vs Austria stats
- Argentina gained their opening Group J match 3-0 towards Algeria
- Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s win
- La Albiceleste have gained every of their final eight matches in all competitions
- Argentina have gained seven consecutive World Cup matches
- Austria defeated Jordan 3-1 of their opening group fixture
- Das Group have conceded multiple aim in solely considered one of their final 18 matches
- Austria are showing at their first World Cup since 1998
- Argentina are the reigning world champions after profitable the 2022 event
- Austria haven’t reached the World Cup knockout phases since 1982
- The nations have met twice beforehand, with Argentina profitable 5-1 in 1980 earlier than a 1-1 attract 1990
Prediction for Argentina vs Austria
Austria have develop into a particularly well-organised aspect beneath Rangnick and are possible to offer a sterner examination than Algeria managed within the opening spherical.
Nevertheless, Argentina’s high quality all through the squad, mixed with Messi’s excellent type, ought to show decisive.
Count on a aggressive contest, however the world champions look able to securing one other victory and sealing their place within the knockout rounds.
Prediction: Argentina 2-1 Austria
