Argentina are the hot favourites to beat Australia in pursuit of Lionel Messi’s dream of winning a first World Cup.
But they, more than anyone, have learned not to underestimate an underdog, especially the hard-battling Socceroos on Saturday.
Argentina suffered one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history with their opening defeat to Saudi Arabia but recovered their poise to swagger past Mexico and Poland into the last 16.
Australia, ranked 35 places below Argentina, have already surpassed expectations in winning twice to earn their place at Qatar’s Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium for one of the biggest games in their history.
The Argentines have however looked much stronger, beating Mexico and Poland 2-0 to secure their place in the last 16 of the competition.
Australia, meanwhile, recovered from their 4-1 trouncing at the hands of France in their first match to beat Tunisia and Denmark 1-0, ensuring they progress to the knockout rounds.
They face the huge task of overcoming an Argentina team that boasts the likes of Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria and Julian Alvarez.