Argentina secured their berth in the knockout stages of the Qatar World Cup 2022 after a sensational 2-0 victory over Poland. Despite the loss, Robert Lewandowski and Co. will join the South American giants after coming second in the Group C table, just ahead of Mexico on goal difference.
Argentina, one of the favourites to lift the Qatar World Cup 2022, secured their berth in the tournament's knockout stages after registering an emphatic 2-0 win over Poland in Doha's Stadium 974 on Thursday.
Despite Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny's heroics in saving iconic Argentinian Lionel Messi's penalty in the first half of the game, the South American giants came back strongly in the second half, with Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez firing them to the next round of Qatar 2022.
Although Robert Lewandowski and Co. suffered a defeat, Poland still qualified for the last 16 rounds after coming second in the Group C table, just ahead of Mexico. Despite both Poland and Mexico having 4 points, the European nation went through on goal difference. This would be heartbreaking for fans of Mexico, who secured a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia thanks to an effort from Henry Martin and Luis Chavez.
🙌 See you both in the Round of 16! 🫶 | | pic.twitter.com/iu1vuwkH75
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup)In the first half of Poland vs Argentina clash, Alvarez's attempt was stopped, and Marcos Acua's follow-up shot sailed just wide of the post. When the Manchester City striker's close-range shot required Wojciech Szczesny to make a save, Argentina was awarded a penalty after it appeared that the Poland goalkeeper had elbowed Messi in the face. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner subsequently attempted to convert the penalty, but Szczesny saved him, keeping the score at 0-0.
Alexis Mac Allister scored his first goal for Argentina just one minute into the second half, outwitting both the Polish goalkeeper and the entire defence to give Argentina the advantage. In the midst of Argentina's sustained pressure on Poland, Alvarez returned Lionel Scaloni's faith in him by turning inside the box and scoring with an incredible finish in the 67th minute of the clash. Two minutes later, Messi again forced a strong save from Szczesny. Messi delivered a wonderful pass to Alvarez as Poland appeared to be crumbling, but this time his potent shot smacked the side netting.
With this win, Argentina will face Australia in the last 16, while Poland will face defending champions France.
Despite the shocking defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening clash, Argentinians will be elated to see Messi and Co. top Group C and are all geared up for Phase 2 of the Qatar World Cup 2022.
Argentina turn on the style to finish top of Group C! |
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup)Several fans of the South American giants took to Twitter to troll the Green Falcons, with some sarcastically asking 'where is Saudi Arabia?'. There were also a few supporters who threw a wind of caution to the Australian team.
Here's a look at some of the reactions on Twitter:
Argentina showed a lot of mental strength to win after losing the first game. Missed penalty by Argentina but two goals by Mac Allister and Álvarez. The young kids showing up for Argentina. Proud of this team to be able to turn it around. Argentina vs. Australia on Saturday.🇦🇷
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer)Power of bounce back 💪https://t.co/vLFBaVLIEP
— Rifadh Simshek ⚡ (@SimshekTweets)They thought we would never make it https://t.co/KUhAEqmQ5A
— postman 🇦🇷 (@theboypostman)first in the group too pic.twitter.com/TiWZAUz0om https://t.co/7kjPSKRIGb
— mary (@fitfaotc)AUSTRALIA WE COMING FOR U LETS GO!!!!! THE KNOCKOUT STAGES HERE WE COME https://t.co/IK8Z2otU94
— hector (@hector_azurdia)This Argentina team should be very proud. A loss vs. Saudi Arabia, a turn around against an always difficult Mexico and a 2-0 win vs. Poland after Messi missed the penalty. This is a team. This is not 11 players, this is 26 players. Lionel Scaloni doing great. 🇦🇷
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer)The Saudi Arabia team that beat Argentina are last on the table and knocked out of the World Cup while Argentina that lost their first match against Saudi Arabia are top of the table and progressed into the round of 16. ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED???
— BeksFCB (@Joshua_Ubeku)Saudi Arabia after beating Argentina in World Cup pic.twitter.com/hutunxrpzZ
— Troll Football (@Troll_Fotballl)Saudi Arabia: Where's ?
He's in the Round of 16.
He's still in the tournament.
ARG🇦🇷 topped the group.
Sorry Saudi fans, but football is about consistency, not fancy Rolls Royce cars. Go home. pic.twitter.com/3R38k9dgP8
Saudi Arabia got eliminated lol. Does that mean MBS will cancel the very expensive cars he planned to gift his team for defeating Argentina?! 🤔
— Clemenza 🇵🇸🇮🇷🇧🇷🇱🇧 (@Freedom33453)Saudi Arabia player's were actually quite smart. Took the Rolls-Royce by beating the Argentina in their First match and then getting knocked out of the World Cup so that Argentina can qualify.
— Navpreet Saini (@NavpreetSaini18)Where is saudi Arabia
Where is saudi Arabia
Where is saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia still finished bottom of Group C even after their glorious win against Argentina.
"It is not always about how you start but how you finish that matters"
Whoops!
Saudi Arabia fans trolled Messi like ke they qualified already after beating Argentina,see who is chilling in the bottom of the table now 😆😆
Moral of lesson : don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Saudi Arabia players after getting knocked out but remember they still getting the Rolls Royce for beating Argentina.
pic.twitter.com/25qogjkv9i
So you mean to tell me that Saudi Arabia, came from behind after Messi scored, to beat Argentina 2-1, proceeded to celebrate like they’ve won they’ve won the World Cup.
Declare a public holiday, only to still leave the competition in the group stage before Messi and Argentina😭 pic.twitter.com/xSLWH0TDRA
Argentina top their group and face Australia in the next round pic.twitter.com/lpGuenA412
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball)Argentina vs Australia in the Round of 16. pic.twitter.com/63qJ7AeJ0K
— Tommy 🎩 (@Shelby_Messi)