Messi, Alvarez fire Argentina into World Cup last 8 (updated-1)

DOHA, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez scored either side of halftime as Argentina advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals with a 2-1 win over Australia here on Saturday.

Messi put the Albiceleste ahead with a 35th-minute strike, and Alvarez doubled their lead by firing home just before the hour after an error from goalkeeper Mathew Ryan.

The result means Argentina will face the Netherlands in Lusail on Friday for a place in the semifinals.