Argentina And Lionel Messi turned in a dominant performance to beat poland 2-0 in the World Cup to win Group C and advance to the last 16 at Stadium 974 in Qatar on Wednesday.
second-half goal from Alexis McAllister And Julian Alvarez were enough for Argentina, who were surprised Saudi Arab In their group opener, to keep alive their quest for a first World Cup title since 1986.
– World Cup Edition: why messi should not have been given a penalty
– world cup 2022, How each team can reach the round of 16
– World Cup Tiebreaker: What happens if the teams are tied on points?
McAllister told reporters, “It’s very emotional for me, for the whole team. It’s a dream come true.” “I started with this team, I am very proud of it. And now managing to score in the World Cup. I am very happy.”
,[After Messi’s penalty miss] We tried to stay positive to stay calm. We didn’t feel down. We tried to be optimistic. Luckily we managed to win and move on.”
Despite being completely outplayed in 90 minutes, Poland advanced to the knockout rounds in second place thanks to a superior goal difference over Mexico and will face Group D winners France on Sunday.
Messi was playing in his 22nd match at the World Cup – and the 999th of his career for club and country – breaking a tie with Diego Maradona for the most by an Argentine in the world’s biggest tournament.
poland goalkeeper wojciech szczesny Messi saved a penalty awarded by VAR as Argentina dominated the first 45 minutes, but had nothing to show for it with the score at 0-0 at halftime.
Szczesny was kept busy throughout half-time with the Poland defense breaching, but the Juventus keeper was determined to deny the Argentine, who grew more confident with every attack.
He first denied Alvarez, who broke through the offside trap, before heading Angel Di Maria’s cross over the bar after his Juve team-mate attempted to score directly from a corner kick.
The worthy opener for Argentina came just after the restart when Brighton striker McAllister redirected a Nahuel Molina First time shot with a cross that went past Szczecny and went wide of the far post.
Manchester City Teenager Alvarez declared himself on the world stage and doubled Argentina’s lead in the second half, taking a pass enzo fernandez lashing an unstoppable shot into the penalty area and past Szczesny but securing the three points.
The result sets up a round-of-16 match against Argentina. Australiawhile poland play France in the knockout stage.
