November 30, (THEWILL) – Argentina defeated Poland 2-0 to secure their spot in the round of 16, despite Lionel Messi’s earlier penalty miss at Stadium 974. Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez scored in the second half to take them through.
La Albiceleste won Group C, but the Poles seized second place by virtue of having a better goal difference than Mexico, despite losing to El Tri, who defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the other group game on Wednesday.
Argentina advanced from the group stage for the 13th time in 14 attempts although Wojciech Szczesny brilliantly saved Messi’s first-half penalty kick as it seemed it was going to be one of those days for Argentina.
However, Mac Allister and Alvarez scored after the break to ensure that Lionel Scaloni’s team topped the group.
Although Poland lost, their superior goal difference due to Saudi Arabia’s late goal against Mexico, meant the Poles joined Argentina in the knockout round and advanced to the round of 16 for the first time since 1986.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
