Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest ever to play football, is on the verge of making history. In the second match of this World Cup against Austria, Messi can create history by just scoring one goal. He is one goal away from becoming the all-time top goal scorer in World Cup history. Austria won’t give that so easily, will they?
Argentina is the defending champion of this tournament. They have won the World Cup three times in their history. They have participated 19 times.
On the other hand, this is the eighth appearance of Austria. Their best finish was being third back in 1954. History will surely back Argentina, but can Austria create a upset?
World Cup Form
Austria and Argentina both kicked off the World Cup with a comfortable win. Argentina has beaten Algeria by 3-0, courtesy to Messi’s hattrick that put him equal with Miroslav Klose on the top.
Austria also opened their account with a win against Jordan. They also scored 3 goals. However, they conceded one goal in that match in Santa Clara. Both of the teams will look to win to secure a round of 32 ticket in this match.
If Argentina can beat Austria and Algeria can beat Jordan, the Albiceleste will be group champions and face the group H runner-up. However, Austria is on a 4 game winning run. They have won 10 matches out of the last 12 (one draw, one loss).
Austria is very dangerous from the set piece. 7 of Austria’s last ten goals in the World Cup have come from different set-pieces (3 came from corners, 2 from penalties, 1 from a free-kick, 1 from a direct free-kick).
Argentina vs Austria Head-to-Head
These two teams didn’t meet more often. 36 years ago, they played their last match against each other. The last time they met, it was back in 1980, Argentina won by 5-1 and Maradona had a hat-trick, the only one in international football.
Argentina has lost only one group stage match among their eight matches against a team from Europe. Their last loss came in 2018 against Croatia.
Where to Watch
If you are in the United States, there are two broadcasters, one is FOX and the other is Telemundo, who will broadcast live. On Peacock or Fubo, you can stream the matches live.
In Canada, TSN and Noovo will broadcast live.
In the other host country, Mexico, Canal 9, Canal 5, Vix, etc., will telecast the World Cup.
Match Schedule
The match in Texas will be played in the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, USA, which is known as Dallas Stadium for the World Cup. The match will start at 1 PM US Time on June 22.
In the UK, the match will start at 6 PM. However, in India it will start on 10.30 PM. In Australia, it will be June 23 morning at 3 AM.
Group J Standings
| Position | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
| 1 | Argentina | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| 2 | Austria | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 3 | Jordan | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
| 4 | Algeria | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
Predicted Lineups and Formation
Argentina (4-4-2)
Manager: Lionel Scaloni
- Martínez, Medina, Lisandro Martínez, Romero, Montiel, Almada, E. Fernández, Mac Allister, De Paul, Lautaro Martínez, Messi
Austria (4-2-3-1)
Manager: Ralf Rangnick
- Schlager, Mwene, Danso, Lienhart, Laimer, X. Schlager, Seiwald, Sabitzer, Gregoritsch, Schmid, Arnautović
Prediction
We have run 25,000 simulations, and the result favored Argentina. 57.7% chance of Argentina winning. Argentina will be unbeaten with a 79.2% chance.
| Result | Probability |
| Argentina win | 57.7% |
| Draw | 21.5% |
| Austria win | 20.8% |
The most common scorelines were 1-1 and 2-1 to Argentina. That means Argentina might be the clear favorite, but Austria’s attacking football is keeping the draw pretty much in play.