Argentina’s first game of the knockout phase against Australia gave Manchester United target Enzo Fernández the chance to continue his exceptional World Cup form in Qatar, with Lisandro Martínez also serving as a second-half substitute.
The 21-year-old Benfica midfielder has been linked with a move to the Premier League, and the Red Devils are very interested in the player, having followed his progress during his time at River Plate.
Enzo only moved to Portugal in the summer, but some reports suggest a move could happen as early as January, although his €120m release clause seems unlikely to be activated at this stage.
The Argentine’s performance against the Socceroos tonight showed at times why he is the talk of Europe, and surely United must be kicking themselves for not bringing him to Old Trafford when his fee was as low as €12m.
Fernández was a sure presence in possession as Argentina dominated the ball against Australia for long periods of the game.
Neither side was much of a threat in an attacking sense, with Lionel Messi breaking the deadlock with a cleverly concealed shot that was the only strike on goal of the first half.
Other than that, it was an exercise in patience, both for those who watched the first half and for those who played in it, as Argentina controlled the game, limiting their risk on and off the ball.
After the break, the game showed a bit more life, despite Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez coming on for attacking midfielder Alejandro Gomez to protect Argentina’s lead moments after the break.
L’Albiceleste doubled their lead after good pressing at the top of the field gave Julián Álvarez the chance to finish off cheekily, before a strong deflection from Enzo Fernández put Australia back in the game with 15 minutes left. by the end of regulation time.
A crucial block by Lisandro kept Argentina’s lead intact. Australia pressed for an equalizer, their introduction to the game proving decisive.
Enzo Fernández could hardly be blamed for the own goal, but he will certainly have thanked Lisandro Martínez for his well-timed challenge, as it turned out to be a pivotal moment for Argentina to claim victory.
The midfielder was otherwise flawless, registering an impressive 110 touches and 93% passing accuracy in his role as the team’s deep playmaker. He won five games and logged three innings, showing his ability on and off the ball.
With Argentina in the next round, both players hope to start in the delicious quarter-final against the Netherlands.
