Qatar 2022: Argentina Defeats Poland To End Top In Group C

Argentina beat Poland 2-0 and will challenge Australia in the round of 16 after they grabbed first position in group C. Poland finally finished second and they will face France.

The game was scoreless at the break between Poland and Argentina despite the domination from the Albiceleste.

Exceptional throughout the first half, Wojciech Szczęsny kept his team alive and notably repelled a penalty from Lionel Messi at the 39th minute.

After a good cut back back by Angel Di Maria, it was Alexis Mac Allister who placed a precise shot to finally best the Polish keeper one minute upon resumption of the second stanza.

From there hence, Argentina took the lead in the group and therefore avoided France.

For Poland, it was imperative to equalize because at the same time, Mexico led Saudi Arabia. But nothing went as planned and despite Szczęsny’s numerous saves in front of Messi and others, Poland conceded a second goal.

Manchester City striker Julián Álvarez sent a nice shot into the top corner to seal the qualification of his team at the 68th minute.

The Poles suffered and hoped that the score would not move an inch in the Saudi Arabia-Mexico game as their performance was disappointing.

Lautaro Martinez missed what would have been Argentina’s third and was not far from eliminating Poland definitively.

The score didn’t move as Argentina was more than happy that they finished first in their group and will face Australia in the round of 16. Poland qualify on a better goal difference than Mexico, who finish third.