Argentina defeated Poland 2-0 to win Group C at a boisterous Stadium 974, but Poland still advances as the runners-up on goal differential.
On his 999th professional outing, Lionel Messi missed a first-half penalty, but Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister eventually broke the score a minute after the break, and Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez added an outstanding second.
As the group winners, Lionel Scaloni’s team advances to the round of 16 and will now get ready to take on Australia, who finished second in Group D, on Saturday at 7pm (GMT).
Poland overtakes Mexico for second place in the group after Saudi Arabia scored late in the other group match. As compensation, they will play France in the round of 16 of the tournament.
The first 45 minutes were especially demanding for Poland’s shot-stopper Wojciech Szczesny as a desperate Argentina applied more pressure.
The Juventus goalie stopped Julian Alvarez from scoring, but it was nothing compared to his subsequent stop.
After a protracted VAR review, Szczesny was found to have fouled Messi, and Argentina was given a contentious penalty. The 35-year-penalty old’s kick was stopped by Poland’s top player with a superb one-handed stop.
When Mac Allister finished off Nahuel Molina’s cross, there was a noticeable sense of relief across the Stadium 974, which was primarily filled with Argentina supporters.
Alvarez ended the contest with a spectacular goal, holding off Matty Cash of Aston Villa before turning and slamming the ball past a hapless Szczesny.
The fact that Mexico had a two-goal advantage in the other game and just needed a one-goal swing at that point made it all the more fortunate for Poland that replacement Lautaro Martinez missed a golden opportunity and that Jakub Kiwior cleared Nicolas Tagliafico’s attempt off the line.
When Poland’s position in the next round was eventually secured, there were euphoric celebrations. Poland had been anxiously awaiting the outcome of the Mexico-Saudi Arabia game.