FRANCK FIFE/ AFP Argentina will meet the Netherlands in the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup.
Lionel Messi scored the first goal to lead Argentina to a 2-1 victory over Australia in their last-16 clash on Saturday, while the Netherlands defeated the United States 3-1 earlier in the day.
Messi tallied in the 35th minute and Julian Alvarez scored in the 57th to give Argentina a 2-0 lead but Australia finally got on the board in the 77th minute, thanks to an Enzo Fernandez own goal.
It was Messi’s first goal in a World Cup knockout round in his 1,000th match to beat Diego Maradona’s tournament tally.
Elsewhere, Netherlands defender Denzel Dumfries set up their first two goals and netted a decisive third to ensure a 3-1 victory over the United States.
Dumfries ended any hopes the Americans had of staging a rescue act after they had gone 2-0 down at halftime, tucking away a third goal for the Dutch that made sure of their victory and put the seal on an influential personal performance.
The United States had cut the deficit through Haji Wright in the 76th minute, but their hopes lasted just five minutes before Louis van Gaal’s team wrapped up the win.
More from Sports
-
Bangladesh stun India in first ODI
Lower-order batsman Mehidy Hasan Miraz conjured an unbeaten 38 in a low-scoring thriller as Bangladesh stunned India by one wicket in the opening one-day international in Mirpur.
-
Australia outclass West Indies in first test
Australia claimed a thumping 164-run win against the West Indies in the first test at Perth Stadium.
-
Warriors extend home winning streak
Jordan Poole exploded for a game-high 30 points off the bench and the Golden State Warriors won their ninth straight at home Friday night with a 119-111 triumph over the Chicago Bulls in San Francisco.
-
India’s Shami out of Bangladesh ODIs
Seamer Mohammed Shami was ruled out of India’s three-match one-day international series in Bangladesh with a shoulder injury on Saturday with Umran Malik replacing him in the squad.
-
Switzerland through to World Cup last 16
Switzerland reached the World Cup knockout phase for the third straight time after prevailing 3-2 over Serbia on Friday.
More Stories
Saudi Stable’s Triumphs Abroad: Fahd Al-Sayari’s Journey of Success in International Horse Racing
Watch: Ronaldo unveiled by Al Nassr
BCCI invites bids to operate women’s IPL teams