Argentina, a South American football superpower that won Group C on Wednesday, defeated Poland 2-0 to advance to the Round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
When Lionel Messi rose to attempt a header, Wojciech Szczesny of Poland was fouled, and the Argentine national team was given a penalty.
Messi’s forceful penalty attempt in the 38th minute was saved by Szczesny.
However, Argentina took the lead in the opening seconds of the second half when midfielder Alexis Mac Allister’s shot hit the crossbar and went into Poland’s goal.
In the 68th minute, Argentine attacker Julian Alvarez fired a stunning strike in the box to give his team a two-goal advantage.
Argentina, which was captained by Messi, outperformed Poland and won 2-0 at Stadium 974.
Argentina, with six points, will face Australia, who finished second in Group D, in the round of 16.
Poland finished the group stage in second place with four points despite the defeat.
Poland made it through and advanced to the knockout round because to goal average. The current champs, France, will come up next.
Mexico is in third place with four points, but they have given up one more goal than Poland did in the group round.
When Mexico was leading Saudi Arabia 2-0 in their match, Poland and Mexico were equal on points and goal differential.
Saudi Arabia, though, stunned Mexico with a goal in stoppage time.
Mexico won the game 2-1, but due to their negative goal differential, they were disqualified from Qatar 2022.
For Saudi Arabia to finish last in the group, they need three points. Herve Renard’s men went back home, just like Mexico.