Argentina completed the turnaround after the surprise opening World Cup defeat to Saudi Arabia by advancing to the last 16 in impressive style against Poland – who scored on goal difference after finishing at tied on points with Mexico.
Lionel Messi was the catalyst for the crucial win over Mexico that put Argentina’s campaign back on track, and he was once again instrumental in illustrating why they were seen as one of the tournament favorites to set up a game second round against Australia.
Poland needed to progress under Fifa’s fair play rule to get fewer yellow cards than Mexico – until Saudi Arabia withdrew one in stoppage time in their 2-0 defeat 1 against Concacaf. This meant that goal difference was decisive for the Poles, who next face France.
Argentina ran out of comfortable winners with second-half goals from Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister and Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez, but the game was still real drama and danger in the closing stages as Poland experienced another goal conceded, or another goal for Mexico against the Saudis. , would send them on the goals scored.
Argentina dominated throughout but had to wait until after the second half to make the breakthrough as Messi had a first-half penalty saved by Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny after the pair collided in a challenge aerial, a severe reward after a video assistant referee consultation.
Mac Allister gave Argentina the lead they deserved when he swept past Nahuel Molina’s cross a minute after the break and Alvarez sealed victory with a fine finish into the top corner in the 67th minute.
Impressive show class in Argentina
Argentina’s improvement continued as they put in their best performance of the World Cup to outclass a disappointing Poland.
The Argentines shook off the shock of that stunning loss to Saudi Arabia to calm their nerves with a Messi-inspired victory over Mexico, then moved on to another level to confirm a last-16 game against Australia.
Messi’s missed penalty in the first half was a minor interruption on their way to victory as they held full control of territory and possession against a passive Poland, especially given what was at stake.
Argentinian keeper Emi Martinez didn’t have a moment of anxiety and once Mac Allister put them in the lead the game was pretty much over with Alvarez confirming it with a superb strike past the excellent Szczesny who hinted at his own rich potential.
Messi showed flashes of his mercurial best but it was a full performance from the Argentine who played with more intensity and fire than they have so far.
They’ve taken their time to show why they’re so popular, but have produced plenty of evidence here to illustrate just how dangerous they’ll be in the knockout stage.
Passive Poland is surfing on its luck
It was symbolic of Poland’s lackluster performance that their biggest show of passion of the whole night came after the game was over when they hit the air as news of Saudi Arabia’s goal against the Mexico who confirmed their place in the last 16 filtered on the ground.
The Polish players rejoiced at the good news as they waved red and white flags on the pitch, barely able to believe they were qualified to face France.
They can count themselves lucky to be here after this poor performance in which they never troubled Argentina and the great striker Robert Lewandowski did not receive any service worthy of the name.
An exception to the poor fare of the rest of his colleagues was former Arsenal goalkeeper Szczesny, who was magnificent throughout, saving Messi’s penalty and producing other saves in a flawless display.
Poland came through and enjoyed their party but they will need to step up several levels to confuse France.
