Just a few days back, Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina in one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, and pressure mounted on Lionel Messi’s Copa America champions.
Argentina was in a precarious situation with matches against South American giant Mexico and a strong European team Poland awaiting them.
Argentina fought back with consecutive wins against Mexico (2-0) and Poland (2-0) to overtake all the three teams in Group C to take the honour of table toppers in their progress to the round of 16.
Coming into the match as table toppers with possibility of qualifying into the next round even with a loss, Poland appeared to have a hyper defensive approach.
A relentless Argentine attack headed by Lionel Messi could not find a breakthrough until the 36th minute when Messi was fouled by Polish keeper Szczesny around the 37th minute.
Messi was up in the air competing with the polish keeper and defenders for the ball. The ball was headed wide. In the play, Szczesny had hit Messi after Messi had already made the contact with the ball.
After a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty to Argentina which was taken by Messi.
Messi could not score from the spot as a strong arm by Polish keeper Szczesny managed to push the shot wide.
The match went into the break without any score but with Argentina firmly on top of Poland.
In the first minute after half time, Mac Allister scored his first goal for Argentina, as they took the lead. He scored with a low shot to the right corner.
When you put your nation in the qualifying driving seat 🙌🇦🇷#ARG | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/GKHjZAGFS2
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 30, 2022
Poland appeared in no hurry to find the equalizer and seemed prepared to keep the goal margin low. However, in the 67th minute, Julian Alvarez scored Argentina’s second goal with a superb shot to the top left corner.
Argentina went on to hold the lead, and overtook Poland in the points table.
In the other game between Mexico and Saudi Arabia, Mexico won the match 2-0.
Both teams had a good chance to enter the round of 16. A win for Saudi Arabia confirms their place, while Mexico had to win by a good margin to be in contention.
Henry Martin scored in the 47th minute by turning in a ball from close range off a delivery from a corner.
Luis Chavez doubled Mexico’s lead in the 52nd minute with one of the best goals of the World Cup 2022, with a glorious free kick delivered. His curling hit with a good pace went over the wall and to the top left corner and the Saudi Keeper Al Owais is beaten comfortably.
Luis Chavez’s stunning free-kick for #MEX puts them 2-0🎯 and they are hunting more. #FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/1Nv6LmwlIT
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 30, 2022
With Argentina leading 2-0 against Poland in the other match of the group, Mexico needed to score one more goal to overtake Poland on goal difference. However, they could not find the third goal.
Saudi Arabia pulled a goal back in the added minutes of the second half though Salem Aldawsari.
The group ended with Argentina on top and to face Australia in the round of 16; while Poland in second place will face defending champions France.
High flying Saudi Arabia ended bottom of the group, while the Mexicans will head home with much regret as their inferior goal difference keeps them third in the table.
Argentina rising to the top means qualification for the round of 16 but also avoiding France in the next match.
Goal difference 🇵🇱 pic.twitter.com/RBwCpHd3TB
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 30, 2022
With his second penalty save, apart from numerous saves from open play, Polish keeper Szczesny has been vital as Poland comes second in the group on goal difference.
Argentina had a perfect night, even though Lionel Messi missed a penalty.
However, had Messi scored the penalty, the story for Mexico and Poland would have been different as it would have favoured Mexico to come second in the group.
