Argentina opened their campaign with a commanding 3-0 win, showcasing the defensive organisation that has become their hallmark under Lionel Scaloni, while their attacking trident of Messi, Lautaro and Alvarez looked sharp. Austria also secured three points in a 3-1 victory, but their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed and they will face a far sterner test here. The key battle lies in Austria's physical forward line, led by Kalajdzic and Arnautovic, against a miserly Argentina backline that conceded just 0.31 xG in their opener. Expect the South American champions to control possession and create the better openings, though Austria's threat from set-pieces and direct play should not be entirely discounted.
Argentina's superior defensive shape (0.31 xG against) and deeper attacking quality give them a clear edge over an Austria side that conceded three goals in their opener.
Argentina are likely to control the game and create multiple scoring chances, but Austria's direct attacking approach and set-piece prowess should see them find the net once.
Austria generated 1.66 xG in their first match and possess a tall, physical strike-force that can trouble Argentina, who may concede for the first time in the tournament.
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Also in Group Stage Matchweek 2
Argentina
FWD · 90' · 2 goals · 2 key passes · 7 shots (4 on target)
MID · 90' · 1 key pass
23FWD · 65'
DEF · 57'
DEF · 90' · 1 key pass
Austria
DEF · 67'
MID · 90' · 1 key pass
MID · 78'
MID · 90' · 1 key pass · 3 shots (1 on target)
DEF · 90' · 1 key pass
6
13
26
16
24
20
7
22
10Argentina
Coach: Lionel Scaloni
Austria
Coach: Ralf Rangnick
