Argentina defeated Poland, but both advance to knockouts

Argentina progressed to the knockout stages of the World Cup with a 2-0 win over Poland in their final Group C match, even though captain Lionel Messi saw a first-half penalty saved.

Argentina’s victory lifted the South American side to the top of the group and they will face Australia in the last 16, while second-placed Poland take on reigning champions France.

Argentina took the lead one minute into the second half when Alexis Mac Allister got to the end of Nahuel Molina’s cross and, despite weak contact, saw his shot creep over the line with Polish keeper Wojciech Szczesny beaten.

The goal was just a reward for Argentina who had dominated possession, while Poland barely managed to get out of their own half.

The second goal was the result of a patient build-up with Argentina knocking the ball over before Enzo Fernandez unlocked the defense with a through ball for Julian Alvarez, who found space in the penalty area and blasted the ball into the top corner.

CONTROVERSIAL PUNISHMENT

Previously, Poland rioted when Argentina were awarded a controversial penalty following a VAR check for a foul on Messi when Szczesny’s glove brushed his face as the Paris St Germain striker got up for a header at the far post.

But Szczesny was up to the task and despite the thousands of Argentine fans raising the decibel levels in the arena, he kept his composure and guessed correctly, ducking left and using one hand to deflect Messi’s effort from the spot.

Szczesny had been busy throughout the half with the Polish defense breaking through time and time again, but the Juventus keeper remained steadfast to deny the Argentines who grew more confident with each attack.

He first denied Alvarez as the Manchester City striker broke through the offside trap before tapping Angel Di Maria’s cross over the crossbar as his Juve team-mate tried to score directly from a corner.

But he could do nothing but scramble as Mac Allister took his shot before Poland could settle down after the restart, while Alvarez’s shot for the second goal was too good for any keeper.