Messi’s dream alive as Argentina reach semis on penalties,Croatia break Brazil hearts

Messi’s dream alive as Argentina reach semis on penalties,Croatia break Brazil hearts

Argentina have knocked out the Netherlands in a penalty shootout to set up a semi-final against Croatia,who also beat Brazil on penalties on a dramatic day of action.

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Dutch skipper dodges Messi questions,Germany coach spared axe

Dutch skipper dodges Messi questions,Germany coach spared axe

Virgil van Dijk is refusing to focus on one man as the Netherlands eye going one step closer to breaking their World Cup duck when they face Argentina in the last eight.

  • byMark Gleeson
The Socceroos paused for a moment - and that was all Lionel Messi needed

The Socceroos paused for a moment - and that was all Lionel Messi needed

In his 1000th professional game,the Argentine scored his first goal in a World Cup knockout match. This is how he made the goal which broke Socceroos’ hearts.

  • byAdam Pengilly
‘A triumph of mentality over pedigree’:What the world said about the Socceroos

‘A triumph of mentality over pedigree’:What the world said about the Socceroos

The giant-killing run of Australia at the World Cup ended at the feet of Lionel Messi and Argentina. But they earned the respect of many in the world’s media.

  • byStaff
Socceroos player ratings:Behich brilliant,Ryan rues mistake against Argentina

Socceroos player ratings:Behich brilliant,Ryan rues mistake against Argentina

A fullback had a whole country dreaming and the goalkeeper whose mistake overshadowed an otherwise brilliant tournament. The Socceroos who starred and didn’t against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

  • byAdam Pengilly
Where in Melbourne to watch the Socceroos play Argentina

Where in Melbourne to watch the Socceroos play Argentina

Pubs,parks,AAMI Park,Federation Square and cinemas around the city will screen Australia’s blockbuster match against Argentina live on Sunday morning.

  • byTom Carey andCaroline Schelle
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Fans in Argentina know and respect the Socceroos. But they aren’t worried about losing

Fans in Argentina know and respect the Socceroos. But they aren’t worried about losing

The national mood in Argentina is confident ahead of a last-16 clash with football minnows Australia. The black hole of defeat isn’t worth contemplating.

  • byIain Payten
Six graphics that prove Messi is an all-time great ... and why Australia may not have to worry

Six graphics that prove Messi is an all-time great ... and why Australia may not have to worry

The list of accolades and statistics make a convincing case that Lionel Messi is the best we’ve ever seen,but there’s one stat line he can’t shake. World Cups:0.

  • byJames Lemon
‘I’m eating you up’:Argentina the masters of shoot-out mind games

‘I’m eating you up’:Argentina the masters of shoot-out mind games

Dancing,insults and other mental trickery are par for the course when World Cup survival boils down to a penalty shoot-out - the ultimate test of nerve.

  • byChris Roots
It’s 11 versus 11,coaches say,ahead of Australia’s game against Argentina

It’s 11 versus 11,coaches say,ahead of Australia’s game against Argentina

Argentina and Australia come from opposite sides of the soccer tracks,but they’re paying mutual respect as they prepare to clash.

  • byGreg Baum
He played with young Argentinian stars,now he’s training Australia’s

He played with young Argentinian stars,now he’s training Australia’s

Gavin De Niese,from Noble Park in Melbourne’s south-east,moved to Argentina alone at 13 to join powerhouse club River Plate.

  • byLachlan Abbott