DAY 12 of the World Cup is upon us and we’ve got a potentially historic match on our hands.
Lionel Messi will take to the field for Argentina in their Group J game with Austria with three points on the mind, but he may also know he’s one goal away from history.
After that storming opening day win, Argentina will book their place in the round of 32 with another set of three points today.
A first World Cup hat-trick for Lionel Messi as defending champions Argentina begin their defence.
Oh, and he only went and equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goals record.
Austria, though, will be hoping for the same.
Today won’t be easy for Argentina. They take on an Austrian side full of confidence after their first World Cup win since 1990.
If they make it their second win since 1990, then they can start prepping for the round of 32.
ANALYSIS:
Lionel Messi had a great [first] game, scoring a hat-trick. He set the tempo and the pace and Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland responded well.
He is like fine wine. He is very close to beat Miroslav Klose’s record but I still think Kylian Mbappe will surpass him.
He is a playmaker, he drops deeper to dictate the game and in order to accelerate and slow down the game.
He has willing runners covering a lot of ground around him which allows him to keep his energy more than ever when he has the ball.
After thrilling at Euro 2024, Austria’s return to the World Cup after 28 years is welcome – they will play some of the most enterprising and dynamic football at the World Cup.
But four years into the transformative tenure of experienced head coach Ralf Rangnick, ‘Das Team’ have loftier ambitions than simply being this summer’s great entertainers.
They are gradually finding some substance to match the style too.
That development is no surprise given the pedigree in the squad. The experience of David Alaba, Marko Arnautovic and Konrad Laimer – some of the nation’s greatest ever players – could be crucial in clutch moments.
Their quality and nous can be vital in eking out more from Austria’s exciting next generation, of which we should also get a tantalising glimpse this summer.
People will remember Ralf Rangnick from his time at Manchester United and things didn’t go so well for him there, but since he took over the Austria team, they had a good Euros in 2024, and they came here and got a good start against Jordan.
They will be organised, aggressive, and they are a team with plenty of energy. I think this will be a match where Argentina are in for a tough game. It would not surprise me if Austria got something from this game.
We actually think Austria can cause a bit of an upset here. They are grafters – they will work their socks off like they always do and they are in good form too.
If it is a tight game then of course Argentina can look to Messi to provide more magic, like he did against Algeria, but I am backing Austria to cause the holders some problems too.
Argentina were very good (against Algeria). They did everything asked of them and they kept a clean sheet after a lot of talk about them defensively.
When you are defending a trophy, you want to start your next time well and they have done that.
PREDICTIONS:
Sadiq’s Prediction: Argentina enter the game as favourites after an impressive opening performance against Algeria, where they combined attacking quality with defensive discipline. Lionel Messi’s hat-trick underlined his enduring influence, while the movement of players around him allows him to dictate the tempo without expending excessive energy.
Austria, however, are unlikely to make life easy. Under Ralf Rangnick, they press aggressively, play with intensity, and are tactically organised. Players like Konrad Laimer and David Alaba bring experience and leadership, but Argentina’s superior attacking depth, led by Messi and supported by elite forwards such as Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, could prove decisive.
My Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Austria
Peter’s Prediction: This would be an upset, but not an impossible one. Austria are in excellent form, returned to the World Cup after a strong Euro 2024 campaign, and have developed into a team capable of troubling elite opponents.
Rangnick’s side are energetic, fearless and tactically disciplined. If they successfully press Argentina high up the pitch and deny Messi space to orchestrate attacks, they could force mistakes and create transition opportunities. Austria’s blend of experienced veterans and an exciting younger generation gives them the tools to shock the holders.
Argentina’s quality means they will still create chances, but if Austria maintain their intensity for 90 minutes and capitalise on key moments, they could produce one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.
My Prediction: Argentina 2-3 Austria
Gbenga’s Prediction: Austria have built a reputation under Rangnick as one of Europe’s most difficult teams to play against. Their aggressive pressing, relentless work rate and tactical discipline could disrupt Argentina’s rhythm and limit the influence of Messi for long periods.
The Austrians also have experienced leaders in Alaba, Arnautovic and Laimer who know how to manage high-pressure occasions. If they can frustrate Argentina early and keep the match compact, they have enough quality to earn a valuable point. Argentina remain dangerous, but Austria’s organisation may neutralise much of their threat.
My Prediction: Argentina 2-2 Austria
Gloria’s Prediction: The reigning champions appear to have found the perfect balance between attack and defence. Against Algeria, Argentina answered concerns about their backline by keeping a clean sheet while showing devastating efficiency in attack.
Austria’s high-energy style could leave spaces behind their defence, and Argentina possess the quality to exploit those gaps. Messi’s creativity between the lines, combined with the pace and finishing ability of Mbappe and Haaland, may stretch Austria beyond their limits. While Marko Arnautovic and Austria’s dynamic midfield can create opportunities, Argentina’s attacking firepower should prevail.
My Prediction: Argentina 2-1 Austria