Sebastian Balan proposes to his girlfriend in Doha.

Gulf Today Report

Argentina’s fans may be jumping with joy in Doha for their dramatic 2-0 win over Poland, but one Argentine national’s happiness has hit the stratosphere because he lost something which is considered more precious – his heart – to a Polish girl. On the pitch the two countries may be rivals, but love knows no boundaries, and can blossom in the unlikeliest of places.

An Argentinian fan proposed to his Polish girlfriend during a televised interview at Stadium 974 in Doha, minutes before the World Cup match between Poland and Argentina began.

The Argentinian boyfriend Sebastian Balan, 34, said, "We have been living together since the beginning of the year. I believe today was a perfect opportunity; in fact, I have been postponing it for months to leave it for today, which is such a special occasion, because Argentina-Poland have not faced off in a World Cup since 1978, so it is perfect. "

On the other hand, coach Lionel Scaloni insisted World Cup giants Argentina would not be taking outsiders Australia lightly having already had their fingers burnt by Saudi Arabia earlier in the tournament.

Argentina's World Cup hopes were hanging by a thread after they were shocked 2-1 by the Saudis in their opening Group C match.

However they bounced back in impressive style to beat both Mexico and Poland 2-0 and top the group, setting up a last 16 clash with the Socceroos.

"They're all difficult, we saw that with Saudi Arabia," Scaloni told reporters late on Wednesday.