The goals, minute by minute
- 38'Lionel MessiGoal · 1-0
- 90'+5'Lionel MessiGoal · 2-0
The preview
Written before the match. We've left it as it was, even where the game said otherwise.
Context
Argentina (1st FIFA) vs Austria (~23rd FIFA)
Level of the teams
- Argentina: reigning world champion, well-oiled under Scaloni with Messi as the guiding light. Favorite and title contender.
- Austria: a solid, in-form European block, the trickiest opponent in the group for the Albiceleste.
Key factors
- Argentina superior name for name and in collective pedigree.
- Austria is organized and physically intense, can cause problems.
- A possible match for top spot in the group.
Prediction
Most likely result: 2-0 Argentina (alternative: 2-1 Argentina)
- Argentina win: 62%
- Draw: 24%
- Austria win: 14%
Player to watch: Lionel Messi, Argentina's guiding light.
Final verdict, Confidence: medium-high
Argentina is superior and the favorite, but Austria is the group's toughest test. An Argentine win is the most likely scenario.