But a loss for either team -- combined with a draw between Brazil and Switzerland -- would prematurely bring the curtains down on their campaign, with nothing to play for but pride in their final group game on December 2.
"When we saw Argentina being drawn in our group, we never imagined the scenario we will have tomorrow," Martino said.
Richard Giusti, who played with Maradona at the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, said it was impossible to compare him to Messi, who with his goal in the 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia became the first Argentine to score at four different World Cups.
Germany's players, however, must not only process their first ever loss to Japan, they are also under fire back home for their handling of a diversity armband affair
Spain captain Iker Casillas has said he finds it strange that the format of the draw for the World Cup finals allowed the holders to be placed in the same group as Netherlands, the team they beat in the final in 2010.
From the 70th minute when striker Niclas Fuellkrug was thrown into the battle, Germany simply looked more German.
Martin Caceres shackled Son, harassing the South Korean winger any time he got the ball and sticking close to him to discourage others from passing his way.
Images from the FIFA World Cup Group G match between Switzerland and Cameroon on Thursday.
But their inability to close out the game proved costly, allowing Belgium to claw their way back into contention with two goals in five minutes before Nacer Chadli's injury-time winner capped the most thrilling game of the 2018 finals.
Images from the FIFA World Cup Group E match between Japan and Costa Rica on Sunday.
The home team froze under the weight of expectation and quickly went behind in Sunday's opener, losing 2-0 to Ecuador
Ecuador are confident that Enner Valencia, who got both goals in their 2-0 win over hosts Qatar on Sunday, will be fit to play despite some concerns over a knee sprain.
Qatar's construction industry is rife with abuse of migrant workers who are "treated like cattle" and live in squalid accommodation exposed to overflowing sewage, Amnesty International said in a report on Sunday.
The identity of the Netherlands goalkeeper for their opening World Cup match remains a closely guarded secret
Against a backdrop of raucous noise provided by the thousands of Tunisian fans in the stands, Issam Jebali had a goal ruled out for offside in the 23rd minute but it was Denmark who provided most of the attacking football in the first half.
"I have been congratulated many times for scoring goals but I could never imagine that I will shake hands with the biggest cricket star," Goalpi said, beaming with excitement after getting a prized selfie with Tendulkar.
"They look to us as role models. We are just happy to be in this position, to give them a pathway and to show them that your dreams are possible as long as you work hard for them."
Tite was asked about reports that he was set to take charge of the Champions League winners during a news conference ahead of Sunday's friendly against Austria, although it was not clear where they had originated.
Croatia and Morocco will face off in Qatar for a second time after playing out a 0-0 draw in their group opener
German footballer Mesut Ozil on Wednesday asked his social media followers to 'spread awareness of the shameful situation in the so-called largest democracy in the world.'
'I don't like people talking before matches. That's not part of football. I always respect everyone, but I like to be respected too.'
Five strikers who surprised us in World Cup 2022.
Ronaldo being benched in Portugal's 6-1 demolition of Switzerland has caused some of his die-hard fans to reconsider the current state of affairs.
'It's really nice for women, I am very fond of football and when I was in my country I thought maybe this (Qatar) is an area for only men, and maybe it is uncomfortable for women but no, I am very comfortable and it is very nice here.'
'I will tell the players to enjoy themselves, as millions in Morocco will be watching'
'Advertising this season will help IPL surpass $550 million in ad revenues, across digital and pay TV.' 'It should still represent a steep loss against annualised 2023-2027 IPL rights fees of $1.2 billion.'
Cisse has been in charge of Senegal since 2015 and guided the Lions of Teranga to several firsts including their maiden Africa Cup of Nations title this year.
"These things happen, that players ventilate their views, but whether it's sensible or not, that's another issue. Everybody has their own opinion, particularly in the Netherlands," the 71-year-old said.
The VAR system took several minutes to confirm the ball had not gone out before Mitoma's touch
With 11 of their players in the squad over the age of 30, and a new World Cup cycle on the horizon, change is inevitable. Coach Roberto Martinez has also yet to sign a new contract, with his current deal expiring soon.
"So already in Russia (2018 World Cup), we asked referees to calculate the stoppage time more accurately to be given at the end of each half."
"It's very difficult for us, the probability for us to proceed is lower than the other nations like in Europe, they have 13 spots. And so the probability is much, much higher."
Mexico's exit ended a run of seven successive last-16 appearances at the World Cup and the defeat for Saudi Arabia killed off what had looked to be a realistic chance of advancing from the group stages for the first time in 28 years.
Proud coach Arnold hails Australian team's mentality
"It is important to simultaneously monitor the other game because you can adapt your strategy a bit accordingly," said Mueller.
Kylian Mbappe's meteoric rise showed no sign of stopping as the France forward sealed the holders' 2-1 win against Denmark to send them into the last 16 of the World Cup on Saturday.
"We, those who play in the back end, often joke that we feel sorry for our rivals because we can replace Raphinha for Antony, Richalison for Gabriel Jesus. We have Rodrygo, Gabriel Martinelli."
A picture of a Socceroos fan holding up a sign saying, "Give us a public holiday", was widely shared on social media.
Iran were deserved winners even if they left it very late.
India need nothing more than a win against a tricky Syria to keep alive their faint hopes of making the knockout stage.
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