Despite being stopped by the opposing goalkeeper on a Lionel Messi penalty kick, Argentina and their long-time stalwart will continue on their way to the Soccer World Cup, after a 2-0 victory against Poland obtained on Wednesday in Doha.
Argentina reached the knockout stage thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Julián Álvarez, both scored in the second half.
The Argentinians (2-1-0) finished the preliminary leg first in Group C and on Saturday in the round of 16 they will face Australia, one of the two nations qualified in Group D.
Moreover, Argentina find themselves in a very good position, especially after their stunning 1-2 defeat against Saudi Arabia in their opening match, one of the biggest surprises in the history of the FIFA Cup. world.
Messi will be relieved, having been unable to score on a penalty kick in a second straight World Cup.
The shot came after he was punched in the face by Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny. The latter made amends by diving to his left to stop Messi’s shot.
Mac Allister scored the game’s first goal in the first minute of the second half, following a cross from Nahuel Molina. Álvarez doubled Argentina’s lead during the 67e minute of play thanks to a shot that reached the top of the net.
Despite their defeat, Poland qualified for the playoffs, ahead of Mexico, thanks to a better difference between goals scored and goals conceded (zero compared to -1).
Poland will face defending champions France on Sunday.
Mexico 2 – Saudi Arabia 1
Both Henry Martín and Luis Chávez found the back of the net as part of Mexico’s strenuous efforts to reach the knockout stage, but their 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia on Wednesday night in Lusail was not enough .
Due to Argentina’s 2-0 triumph over Poland, in a match scheduled at the same time, Mexico were unable to progress through the group stage for the first time since 1978.
Mexico had qualified for the round of 16 at the last seven editions of the World Cup, which was the longest running streak of its kind, tied with Brazil.
The Mexicans needed a win and some help from the Poles to get out of Group C.
Argentina’s win meant that the difference between goals scored and goals conceded would determine which country would finish second.
Martín scored the first goal of the match during the 48e minute of play, and Mexico’s chances of reaching the next round improved when Chávez hit the target with a free kick four minutes later.
The Mexicans tried everything to score another goal in the last 20 minutes, including an individual effort from Uriel Antuna in the 87e minute, which was ruled offside. These efforts were in vain.
Salem al-Dawsari scored the Saudis’ goal during second-half stoppage time.
Australia 1 – Denmark 0
Australia reached the round of 16 following Mathew Leckie’s goal, scored in the 60the minute of play on Wednesday, which gave them a narrow 1-0 victory over Denmark.
Australia has thus passed the group stage for the first time since 2006, and the second time in its history.
Leckie accepted a pass in midfield and deftly beat a Danish defender, before delivering a left-footed strike that eluded goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Australia picked up six points in Group D.
Denmark, for their part, had a disappointing World Cup, having slipped into the semis of Euro 2020. His team drew 0-0 against Tunisia as the curtain-raiser of the tournament, before suffering a 1-2 loss against France.
The latter, defending World Cup champions, finished first in their group despite a 0-1 loss to Tunisia.
Two duels will be played in Group C starting at 2 p.m. Thursday. Poland will have an appointment with Argentina, while Saudi Arabia will cross swords with Mexico.