Argentina vs Austria preview

2026 World Cup, World
Dallas Stadium Mon, 22 Jun - 5:00 PM
World Cup
Argentina ARG
2 0
Austria AUT
Full Time Mon, 22 Jun 5:00 PM
Round 2 Group Stage
Lionel Messi - 38', 90+5'
Goal
|

CONTEXT

Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in a match that saw the home team establish a 1-0 lead by halftime. The stronger side controlled proceedings with 54 percent possession compared to Austria's 46 percent. Expected goals stood at 2.9 for Argentina and 0.62 for the visitors, underscoring the disparity in quality and chance creation. The final score of 2-0 matched the pre-match projections closely, with only minimal deviation noted. Both teams avoided any dismissals, ensuring a full-strength contest from start to finish. Argentina's clinical approach in front of goal converted their superiority into points, while Austria struggled to generate meaningful opportunities. This result reinforced the status of Argentina as the dominant force in the fixture.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: The match showed minimal deviation from expected patterns.
  • Efficiency shift: Performance was in line with efficiency expectations.
  • xG alignment: The outcome was consistent with the xG figures of 2.9 to 0.62.
  • Market alignment: The result aligned with pre-match market indicators.
  • xG expectations: Argentina's higher xG of 2.9 accurately reflected their dominance.
  • Event impact: The 2-0 scoreline came without any major disruptive events.
  • Red card distortion: No red cards occurred to distort the match dynamics.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
A. Omar
A. Omar
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.4
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
M. Kamel Abo El Regal
M. Kamel Abo El Regal
1st Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
A. Taha
A. Taha
2nd Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
A. Hernández Hernández
A. Hernández Hernández
4th Official • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Argentina L. Scaloni
L. Scaloni
VS
Austria R. Rangnick
R. Rangnick
3
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
3
3 i
Last 6 Opponents
Algeria Rank: W
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
3 i
Last 6 Opponents
Jordan Rank: W
0
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
0 - 0 - 0
0

Win Probabilities

Live Win Probability (90 Min)
Home Argentina
95.61%
Draw
4.2%
Away Austria
0.19%

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power score: composite of opponent-weighted form (last 6 & 20 games) and league position over last 3 seasons.
88.89
50
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Argentina
Austria
Power Score
88.89
50
League Position
1
2
Global Rank
3
24

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Argentina — Opponent-weighted form score
Austria — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Argentina Austria

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Argentina

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Austria

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Possession Efficiency Possession-Adjusted

How effectively each team uses and defends their share of possession. Efficiency adjusted based on team possession percentage

Argentina ⚠ Proxy
vs
⚠ Proxy Austria
Attacking Efficiency
Higher is better
Attacking Efficiency
25.28
19.46
Defensive Efficiency
Lower is better
Defensive Efficiency
19.46
25.28
Combined Efficiency Index Z-score combining attacking and defensive possession-adjusted efficiency.
Positive = above league average.
Negative = below league average.
Formula: EfficiencyIndex = z(AttackEff) − z(DefenceEff)
-3 0 3
Argentina +0.52 Efficiency Index
vs
Austria -0.52 Efficiency Index
xG data unavailable for both teams. Values estimated using shots and dangerous attacks (proxy). Confidence: Medium.
Argentina
Austria
AttackEff = xG ÷ pos
DefenceEff = xGA ÷ (1−pos)

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Argentina
vs
Austria
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Argentina Austria
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
32%
27%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
-0.92 vs -0.16
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Argentina Austria
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
27%
32%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.16 vs -0.92
Argentina
Austria
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Argentina
vs
Austria
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Argentina Austria
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Argentina 0.36
Austria 0.10
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Argentina Austria
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Argentina 0.00
Austria 0.06
Argentina
Austria
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • AUT had peak pressure around 30'.
  • ARG started the game with stronger pressure.
ARG Pressure AUT Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: AUT reached the top pressure at 30' (70.68).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 0 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Argentina ARG Home
0 matches
Austria AUT Away
Match Record
0
Wins
0
0
Draws
0
0
Losses
0
Goals
0
Goals Scored
0
0
Goals Conceded
0
0
Goal Difference
0
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-06-23T00:00:26+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-4-2
Match Formation 4-2-3-1
Pitch
D. Martínez
Argentina
23 D. Martínez
N. Molina Lucero
Argentina
26 N. Molina Lucero
C. Romero
Substitution
Argentina
13 C. Romero
L. Martínez
Argentina
6 L. Martínez
F. Medina
Substitution
Argentina
25 F. Medina
R. de Paul
Substitution
Argentina
7 R. de Paul
A. Mac Allister
Argentina
20 A. Mac Allister
E. Fernández
Argentina
24 E. Fernández
T. Almada
Substitution
Argentina
16 T. Almada
L. Messi
Argentina
10 (C) L. Messi
L. Martínez
Substitution
Argentina
22 L. Martínez
A. Schlager
Austria
1 A. Schlager
K. Laimer
Austria
20 K. Laimer
D. Olatukunbo Alaba
Substitution
Austria
8 (C) D. Olatukunbo Alaba
K. Danso
Austria
3 K. Danso
S. Posch
Substitution
Austria
5 S. Posch
X. Schlager
Austria
4 X. Schlager
N. Seiwald
Austria
6 N. Seiwald
M. Sabitzer
Austria
9 M. Sabitzer
P. Wanner
Substitution
Austria
24 P. Wanner
R. Schmid
Substitution
Austria
18 R. Schmid
M. Gregoritsch
Substitution
Austria
11 M. Gregoritsch

General Information

Date & Time
Jun 22, 2026, 05:00 PM
Competition
2026 World Cup, World · Round 2 · Group Stage
Stadium
Dallas Stadium
Capacity
80000
Attendance
70649
Pitch Surface
Artificial turf
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Amin Mohamed Omar
Mahmoud Ahmed Kamel Abo El Regal
Ahmed Hossam Taha
Alejandro José Hernández Hernández

Statistics

Possession
ARG
53%
AUT
47%

Top Statistics

2 Goals 0
3 Big Chances Created 1
7 Shots 5
33 Dangerous attacks 59
54 Possession 46
1 Corners 3
12 Free kicks 15
2 Yellow Cards 2

Match Overview

84 Ball Safe 51
1 Penalties 0
6 Goal Kicks 4
7 Goal Attempts 3
5 Substitutions 5
12 Throwins 20
10 Successful Headers 16
1 Assists 0
2 Injuries 1
11 Dribble Attempts 14
6 Successful Dribbles 5
55 Successful Dribbles Percentage 36

Attacking

82 Attacks 114
3 Big Chances Missed 1

Possession

28 Long Passes 23
553 Passes 468
493 Successful Passes 402
89 Successful Passes Percentage 86
6 Key Passes 5
13 Successful Long Passes 13
46 Successful Long Passes Percentage 57

Defensive

1 Saves 2
21 Tackles 14
8 Interceptions 9
49 Duels Won 47

Build-up

4 Total Crosses 16
1 Accurate Crosses 2

Discipline

2 Offsides 0
13 Fouls 13

Lineup

Referee : Amin Mohamed Omar

Starting XI ▼

23
Emiliano Martínez
Emiliano Martínez Goalkeeper
6.82
6
Lisandro Martínez
Lisandro Martínez Defender
7.27
13
Cristian Romero
Cristian Romero Defender
6.74
19
Nicolás Otamendi
Nicolás Otamendi
Defender57'
6.6
25
Facundo Medina
Facundo Medina Defender
7.12
3
Nicolás Tagliafico
Nicolás Tagliafico
Defender82'
6.55
26
Nahuel Molina
Nahuel Molina Defender
6.86
7
Rodrigo De Paul
Rodrigo De Paul Midfielder
6.82
5
Leandro Paredes
Leandro Paredes
Midfielder82'
6.42
16
Thiago Almada
Thiago Almada Midfielder
6.83
9
Julián Álvarez
Julián Álvarez
Attacker64'
6.37
20
Alexis Mac Allister
Alexis Mac Allister Midfielder
7.09
24
Enzo Fernández
Enzo Fernández Midfielder
7.04
10
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi (C) Attacker
2
9.5
22
Lautaro Martínez
Lautaro Martínez Attacker
6.85
15
Nico González
Nico González
Attacker65'
6.46
Referee : Amin Mohamed Omar

Starting XI ▼

1
Alexander Schlager
Alexander Schlager Goalkeeper
6.15
3
Kevin Danso
Kevin Danso Defender
6.82
5
Stefan Posch
Stefan Posch Defender
6.16
22
Alexander Prass
Alexander Prass
Defender68'
6.29
8
David Alaba
David Alaba (C) Defender
7.21
23
Marco Friedl
Marco Friedl
Defender67'
6.43
20
Konrad Laimer
Konrad Laimer Defender
6.26
4
Xaver Schlager
Xaver Schlager Midfielder
6.32
6
Nicolas Seiwald
Nicolas Seiwald Midfielder
7.48
9
Marcel Sabitzer
Marcel Sabitzer Midfielder
6.96
18
Romano Schmid
Romano Schmid Midfielder
6.92
21
Patrick Wimmer
Patrick Wimmer
Midfielder78'
6.53
24
Paul Wanner
Paul Wanner Midfielder
6.14
7
Marko Arnautovic
Marko Arnautovic
Attacker68'
6.42
11
Michael Gregoritsch
Michael Gregoritsch Attacker
6.69
17
Carney Chukwuemeka
Carney Chukwuemeka
Midfielder85'
6.44

Events

2ND-HALF
Event
Lionel Messi
Left foot shot / 2nd Goal
90+5'
Event
Leandro Paredes
Foul / 4th Yellowcard
90+2'
85'
Event
Carney Chukwuemeka → Michael Gregoritsch
10th Substitution
Event
Leandro Paredes → Rodrigo De Paul
8th Substitution
82'
Event
Nicolás Tagliafico → Facundo Medina
9th Substitution
82'
78'
Event
Patrick Wimmer → Romano Schmid
7th Substitution
Event
Facundo Medina
Argument / 3rd Yellowcard
76'
76'
Event
Konrad Laimer
Argument / 2nd Yellowcard
68'
Event
Marko Arnautovic → Paul Wanner
5th Substitution
68'
Event
Alexander Prass → Stefan Posch
6th Substitution
67'
Event
Marco Friedl → David Alaba 
4th Substitution
Event
Nico González → Lautaro Martínez
3rd Substitution
65'
Event
Julián Álvarez → Thiago Almada
2nd Substitution
64'
Event
Nicolás Otamendi → Cristian Romero 
1st Substitution
57'
1ST-HALF
40'
Event
Stefan Posch
Argument / 1st Yellowcard
Event
Lionel Messi
Left foot shot / 1st Goal
38'
Event
Lionel Messi
OffTarget
9'
Event
Lautaro Martínez
Penalty awarded
7'

Match Commentary

90
Update Update
The second half ends with Argentina winning 2-0 against Austria.
90
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Lionel Messi (Argentina) took a left-footed shot from outside the box following a direct free kick.
90
Update Update
Patrick Wimmer commits a foul for Austria.
90
Update Update
Lionel Messi wins a free kick for Argentina in the attacking half.
90
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Attempt blocked. Lionel Messi's left-footed shot from the center of the box is blocked.
90
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Argentina leads 2-0 after Lionel Messi scores with a left-footed shot from the left side of the six-yard box following a fast break.
90
Attempt Attempt
Attempt saved. Julián Alvarez's left-footed shot from the center of the box is saved.
90
Update Update
Nicolás Otamendi commits a handball for Argentina.
90
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Patrick Wimmer from Austria heads the ball from the center of the box after a set piece situation.
90
Update Update
Leandro Paredes commits a foul for Argentina.
90
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Leandro Paredes of Argentina receives a yellow card for a foul.
90
Update Update
Carney Chukwuemeka from Austria wins a free kick in the attacking half.
90
Update Update
The fourth official has indicated that there will be 5 minutes of added time.
90
Update Update
Foul committed by Patrick Wimmer of Austria.
89
Update Update
Nico González wins a free kick for Argentina on the left wing.
89
Update Update
Patrick Wimmer from Austria is awarded a free kick on the left wing.
88
Update Update
Nicolás Otamendi commits a foul for Argentina.
88
Update Update
Foul committed by Patrick Wimmer of Austria.
86
Update Update
Nicolás Tagliafico wins a free kick for Argentina in the defensive half.
86
Attempt Attempt
Nico González's right-footed shot from the center of the box is blocked. He was assisted by Lisandro Martínez.
85
Attempt Attempt
Enzo Fernández's right-footed shot from the center of the box for Argentina is blocked.
82
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Austria: Carney Chukwuemeka comes on for Michael Gregoritsch.
82
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Argentina: Leandro Paredes comes on for Rodrigo De Paul.
81
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Argentina: Nicolás Tagliafico comes on for Facundo Medina.
80
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to Austria after Facundo Medina concedes.
79
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
78
Update Update
The match is delayed due to an injury to Emiliano Martínez from Argentina.
76
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Austria: Patrick Wimmer comes on for Romano Schmid.
76
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Facundo Medina of Argentina receives a yellow card.
76
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Konrad Laimer of Austria receives a yellow card.
76
Update Update
Foul committed by Konrad Laimer of Austria.
75
Update Update
Nico González from Argentina is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
75
Update Update
Foul committed by Xaver Schlager of Austria.
73
Update Update
Enzo Fernández wins a free kick for Argentina in the defensive half.
73
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to Argentina after a concession by Romano Schmid.
71
Corner Corner
Nico González of Argentina misses a header from the center of the box, sending it close but to the right. The attempt was assisted by Lionel Messi, who delivered a cross following a corner.
69
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
68
Update Update
The match is currently delayed for a drinks break.
68
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Austria: Alexander Prass comes on for Stefan Posch.
67
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Austria: Marko Arnautovic comes on for Paul Wanner.
67
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Austria: Marco Friedl comes on for David Alaba.
65
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Michael Gregoritsch from Austria heads the ball from the center of the box.
65
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Argentina: Nico González comes on for Lautaro Martínez.
64
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Lionel Messi (Argentina) takes a left-footed shot from the left side of the box but misses to the right. Enzo Fernández provided the assist.
62
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Argentina: Julián Alvarez comes on for Thiago Almada.
62
Attempt Attempt
Enzo Fernández's right-footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Thiago Almada provided the assist.
62
Update Update
The match is delayed due to an injury to Kevin Danso from Austria.
57
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
57
Update Update
Foul committed by Paul Wanner of Austria.
57
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Argentina: Nicolás Otamendi comes on for Cristian Romero.
55
Update Update
Lautaro Martínez wins a free kick for Argentina in the defensive half.
54
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Attempt saved. Emiliano Martínez (Argentina) saves a right-footed shot from outside the box by Marcel Sabitzer (Austria) aimed at the top center of the goal.
54
Update Update
Konrad Laimer from Austria is awarded a free kick in the attacking half.
53
Update Update
Cristian Romero commits a foul for Argentina.
53
Update Update
Romano Schmid from Austria is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
52
Update Update
Enzo Fernández commits a foul for Argentina.
52
Update Update
Foul committed by Xaver Schlager of Austria.
50
Update Update
Lionel Messi wins a free kick for Argentina in the attacking half.
48
Update Update
Offside called against Argentina. Lionel Messi is caught offside.
48
Update Update
Foul committed by Xaver Schlager of Austria.
46
Update Update
Lionel Messi wins a free kick for Argentina in the defensive half.
46
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Marcel Sabitzer (Austria) takes a right-footed shot from outside the box, but it goes to the left. He was assisted by Nicolas Seiwald.
45
Update Update
The first half ends with Argentina leading Austria 1-0.
45
Update Update
Konrad Laimer of Austria is awarded a free kick on the left wing.
45
Update Update
Lautaro Martínez commits a foul for Argentina.
45
Update Update
The fourth official has indicated that there will be 7 minutes of added time.
45
Update Update
Romano Schmid from Austria is awarded a free kick in the attacking half.
44
Update Update
Enzo Fernández commits a foul for Argentina.
44
Update Update
Romano Schmid wins a free kick for Austria in the attacking half.
43
Update Update
Foul committed by Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina.
43
Update Update
Foul committed by Kevin Danso of Austria.
40
Update Update
Lionel Messi wins a free kick for Argentina in the defensive half.
38
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Stefan Posch of Austria receives a yellow card.
35
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Argentina leads 1-0 after Lionel Messi scores with a left-footed shot from the center of the box following a fast break.
35
Update Update
Marcel Sabitzer wins a free kick for Austria in the attacking half.
32
Update Update
Nahuel Molina commits a foul for Argentina.
32
Attempt Attempt
Attempt blocked. Lionel Messi's left-footed shot from the center of the box is blocked.
32
Update Update
Romano Schmid wins a free kick for Austria in the defensive half.
29
Update Update
Foul committed by Facundo Medina of Argentina.
26
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to Austria after Nahuel Molina concedes.
23
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
23
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
23
Update Update
Delay in the match in Argentina.
23
Attempt Attempt
Marcel Sabitzer from Austria misses a left-footed shot from the center of the box, sending it to the right. He was assisted by Paul Wanner.
22
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to Austria after Cristian Romero concedes.
21
Update Update
The match is delayed due to an injury to Rodrigo De Paul from Argentina.
21
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
21
Update Update
Konrad Laimer wins a free kick for Austria in the defensive half.
21
Update Update
Lautaro Martínez commits a foul for Argentina.
18
Update Update
Alexis Mac Allister wins a free kick for Argentina in the defensive half.
18
Update Update
Foul committed by Paul Wanner of Austria.
16
Update Update
Romano Schmid from Austria commits a handball.
14
Update Update
Foul committed by Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina.
14
Update Update
Paul Wanner from Austria is awarded a free kick on the left wing.
11
Update Update
Michael Gregoritsch wins a free kick for Austria in the attacking half.
11
Update Update
Foul committed by Lisandro Martínez (Argentina).
10
Update Update
Romano Schmid commits a foul for Austria.
10
Update Update
Facundo Medina from Argentina is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
9
Attempt Attempt
Penalty missed by Lionel Messi, who took a left-footed shot for Argentina.
7
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
7
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
4
Update Update
VAR decision confirms a penalty for Argentina.
4
Update Update
VAR decision is in favor of a penalty.
4
Update Update
Offside.
2
Update Update
Offside.
1
Update Update
Kick-off! The referee is Amin Mohamed Omar.

CONCLUSION

The victory for Argentina came as a straightforward affirmation of their superiority on the day. With the halftime score at 1-0, they managed the game effectively in the second period to secure the clean sheet. The xG differential of 2.28 highlighted how the home side created the bulk of the quality chances. Efficiency remained in line with expectations, allowing the stronger team to prevail without unnecessary complications. The absence of red cards meant the flow of the game stayed consistent throughout the ninety minutes. Overall, this performance demonstrated Argentina's ability to convert expected dominance into actual results. Austria will need to reflect on their limited output and seek improvements in future outings to challenge such opponents more effectively.