Argentina advanced to the second round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals after they defeated Poland 2-0 in a third and final group stages match at the Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday evening
The two teams were goalless at the end of the first half after Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny saved Lionel Messi’s penalty in the 39th minute. Argentina were awarded the penalty following Szczesny’s foul on Messi inside the box.
The Poles were under siege for the entire first half as Argentina launched attack after attack. Szczesny stood tall between the poles making brilliant saves to deny Argentina.
The 1986 and 1978 world champions finally broke the deadlock when Alexis MacAllister sent a ball to the far corner past Szczesny in the 46th minute.
After stringing a number of beautiful passes among themselves, the Argentines doubled their lead through Julian Alvarez’s stunning shot in the 68th minute.
For their effort, the Poles have advanced to the second round of the tournament despite losing to the Argentines.
Meanwhile, Mexico beat Saudi Arabia 2-1 in another match played at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Lusail.
Henry Martin and Luis Chavez netted for the Mexicans with the Saudi Arabian goal coming from Salem Aldawsari.
