AUSTRALIA have been the undisputed shock troops of Qatar 2022 but they will need to upset even bigger odds if they're dump Argentina in the last 16 and end Lionel Messi's World Cup dream.
Like most people, I expected the Socceroos to finish bottom of Group D, with pipping Tunisia to third place likely to be their class ceiling. But after crashing 4-1 to France in the opener, Graham Arnold's side claimed back-to-back 1-0 wins to qualify.
Despite Denmark dominating early on in their final group game, Australia rode out the storm and were well worth their victory, with centre backs Harry Souttar and Kye Rowles particularly impressive.
Plotting a path to the knockout stage with players largely from the A-League and SPFL Premiership is quite an achievement for Arnold and he will be hoping their unrivalled team spirit can help spring another surprise.
But Argentina are unlikely to be complacent for this one, having already suffered one of the greatest shocks in World Cup history when they kicked off with a 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia.
That left talisman Messi facing an embarrassing group stage exit in his World Cup swansong but the response has been impressive, with successive 2-0 wins over Mexico and Poland securing top spot in Group C.
Our man Mark tipped them to beat the Poles convincingly and that's how it panned out, with even a missed Messi penalty failing to knock Lionel Scaloni's men off their stride.
Securing top spot has opened up an easier path to the latter stages, with either the Dutch or USA awaiting in the quarter-finals, and Argentina will be looking to build more momentum here.
How the bookies view it
Despite their heroics so far, Australia are rank outsiders for this one at 149/10 with Highbet. The same firm price Argentina at just 3/20 while the draw at 90 minutes is 113/20.
Head to head
These nations have faced off just twice before and both games ended in Argentina victories. They won 4-2 in a thriller at the Confederations Cup back in 2005 then beat the Socceroos 1-0 in a friendly two years later.
Players to watch
Scaloni made a bold call against Poland by starting Manchester City kid Julian Alvarez ahead of Lautaro Martinez but it paid off as the 22-year-old scored a stunning clincher. That should earn him another start here and Alvarez is 28/25 with Highbet for anytime scorer.
Matthew Leckie was the Aussie hero against Denmark as he scored a brilliant solo goal on the break. He looks their best bet for another goal in this one and is 9/1 at Highbet for anytime scorer.
Anything else catch the eye?
Messi's creativity will be key in breaking down Australia's defence and he played some brilliant through balls against Poland. McBookie price him at 13/10 for an assist and that could be worth a look.
Jackson Irvine has been putting himself about in midfield for the Socceroos and Unibet price him at 26/25 for over 1.5 fouls. That looks good value and he's 43/20 with the same firm to be carded.
Only one of Argentina's five goals at this World Cup has arrived in the first half and they might need to be patient against a team defending deep. Highbet are offering 101/100 on the first 30 minutes being scoreless in this one and that looks like another a decent option.
This World Cup match between Argentina and Australia will be played on Dec 3, 2022 and kick off at 19:00. Check below for our tipsters best Argentina vs Australia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
