Caitlin Dillon
Argentina survived a late scare from Australia to set up a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-final with the Netherlands.
Australia were strong in defence throughout, and succeeded in frustrating the South American side, but their overall performance suffered as a result - allowing them just one shot on target and leaving them exposed when Argentina broke away.
Despite a lacklustre first half from Argentina, Lionel Messi found a way to make the breakthrough on his 1,000th career appearance, slotting a left-footed effort into the bottom corner of the net.
In the second half, Argentina continued to control the game, but still struggled to break through the Australian back line. However, a glaring error by Mathew Ryan left the Socceroos exposed when Julian Alverez slipped the ball into the open goal, taking full advantage of the situation.
Australia had offered very little on the attack, but managed to pull one back with 13 minutes to go when substitute Craig Goodwin's strike deflected off Enzo Fernandez, and headed straight for the net.
Shortly after, Australia had a chance to equalise as Aziz Behich slalomed through the Argentinian defence, before hitting a close-range shot that was superbly blocked by Lisandro Martinez, allowing Argentina to hold out and edge through.
Argentina will face The Netherlands in the quarter-finals on Friday the 9th of December at Lusail Stadium.