Argentina have impressively qualified for round of16 of the fifa world cup after shocking World Cup opening defeat to Saudi Arabia and Poland progressing through on goal difference after finishing level with Mexico.
Lionel Messi was the catalyst for the decisive win against Mexico that put Argentina’s season back on track, and once again he was instrumental in illustrating why they were regarded as one of the tournament favorites to reach a second leg match. round against Australia.
Poland would progress under the Fifa Fair Play rule as they had fewer yellow cards than Mexico, until Saudi Arabia got one back in stoppage time in a 2-1 loss to Concacaf. That means goal difference was decisive for the Poles, who next meet France.
Argentina won comfortably with second-half goals from Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister and Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez, but the match still held real drama and danger in the closing stages as Poland conceded another goal, or another goal for Mexico against the Saudis
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Argentina dominated throughout, but had to wait until after the second half to break through, as Messi had a first-half penalty saved by Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny after the pair clashed in an aerial challenge, a hard price after consulting a video assistant referee.
Mac Allister gave Argentina a deserved lead when he fired in Nahuel Molina’s cross a minute after the break and Alvarez sealed the victory in the 67th minute with a fine finish into the top corner.
Argentina’s improvement continued as they delivered their best World Cup performance overcoming a disappointing Poland.
The Argentines shrugged off the shock of that stunning defeat to Saudi Arabia to settle their nerves with a Messi-inspired victory against Mexico, then took it to another level to confirm a round of 16 against Australia.
Messi’s missed penalty in the first half was a small stop on their road to victory as they were in complete control of territory and possession against a passive Poland side, especially considering the stakes. Argentina keeper Emi Martinez didn’t have a moment’s trepidation and when Mac Allister put them in the lead the game was pretty much over, which Alvarez confirmed with a superb shot at the superb Szczesny, hinting at his own potential.
Messi showed flashes of his best Mercury, but it was a full effort from Argentina, who played with more intensity and fire than before.
They’ve taken their time to show why they’re so popular, but have provided plenty of evidence here to illustrate just how dangerous they’ll be in the Round of 16.
It was symbolic of Poland’s lackluster performance that their greatest passion took place throughout the evening after the match ended, when news of Saudi Arabia’s goal against Mexico confirmed their spot. in the last 16, spilled onto the pitch.
The Polish players rejoiced at the good news as they waved red and white flags on the pitch and could hardly believe they were making progress against France. They are lucky to be here after this poor performance in which they have never bothered Argentina and great forward Robert Lewandowski has not received service worthy of the name.
One exception to the mediocre performance of the rest of his peers was ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Szczesny, who was brilliant from the start, saving Messi’s penalty and producing more stops in flawless play. Poland is done and enjoyed the festivities, but will have to move up several notches to
