Poland’s ahead #09 Robert Lewandowski (R) and Argentina’s ahead #10 Lionel Messi struggle for the ball through the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group C soccer match between Poland and Argentina at Stadium 974 in Doha on November 30, 2022. (AFP)
DOHA, Qatar – Lionel Messi’s Argentina booked their place within the final 16 of the World Cup on Wednesday with a 2-0 victory over Poland as Australia reached the knockout rounds for simply the second time of their historical past.
Two-time former champions Argentina superior after targets from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez sealed victory over Poland in Group C whereas Australia despatched sorry Denmark crashing out with a 1-0 victory in Group D.
Argentina — who suffered a surprising defeat to Saudi Arabia of their opening sport — ensured they certified for the second spherical as group winners in a sport through which captain Messi missed the thirty first penalty of his profession.
“We went on the market pondering we needed to win,” stated Messi, who added that lacking his spot-kick had galvanised his teammates.
“I’m indignant at lacking that penalty however the group got here out stronger after my mistake,” he stated. “We knew that when the primary objective went in it will change the sport.”
Messi stated Argentina, who will meet Australia within the subsequent spherical, couldn’t take progress to the quarter-finals without any consideration.
“The sport towards Australia will likely be tough — anybody can beat anybody,” he added. “It’s very even. We have now to organize for the sport in one of the simplest ways, as all the time.”
The ultimate spherical of video games in Group C received beneath method with all 4 groups — Argentina, Poland, Mexico and Saudi Arabia — within the hunt for the final 16.
Regardless of shedding to Argentina, Poland squeaked into second place, edging out Mexico — 2-1 winners over Saudi Arabia — on objective distinction.
For lengthy intervals of a nail-biting night it appeared as if Poland’s tally of fewer yellow playing cards would safe their place within the final 16.
However a objective within the fifth minute of harm time by Saudi Arabia’s Salem Al-Dawsari towards Mexico gave Poland a slender one-goal benefit on objective distinction — and a spot within the second spherical.
Saudi Arabia’s defeat sealed a disappointing exit for the Asian minnows, who had electrified the opening days of the match with their shock opening win over Argentina.
Poland will tackle Group D winners France of their final 16 match.
‘Loads of perception’
Australia reached the knockouts for the primary time for the reason that 2006 World Cup because of Mathew Leckie’s excellent Sixtieth-minute objective dispatched Denmark.
A second-string France facet — already just about assured of high spot — suffered a 1-0 loss to Tunisia.
Australia coach Graham Arnold stated he was “simply so happy with the hassle by the boys”.
“It was a brief turnaround however their effort was unbelievable. Loads of perception, loads of onerous work,” he added.
“These boys got here in with an excellent mindset. We’ve been engaged on this for 4, four-and-a-half years in regards to the perception, the power and the main target. I may see of their eyes they had been prepared tonight.”
After two wins out two, France had been already assured of a spot within the knockout spherical at kickoff so coach Didier Deschamps made 9 modifications to his beginning line-up to play Tunisia, leaving stars together with Kylian Mbappe among the many substitutes.
Tunisia shocked the holders when captain Wahbi Khazri stretched to poke the ball previous French goalkeeper Steve Mandanda within the 58th minute on the Schooling Metropolis Stadium.
Deschamps responded by sending on 5 substitutes, together with Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann.
Tunisia stood agency however Griezmann lastly had the ball within the internet eight minutes into added-on time, driving in a shot via a crowd of defenders.
However simply when France thought they’d salvaged some extent, New Zealand referee Matthew Conger was known as over to the VAR monitor and dominated the objective out for offside.
The north Africans’ supporters counted down the ultimate seconds to a well-known victory over France that eased the ache of elimination.
“They nonetheless had top-class gamers on the market however we had been excellent and I feel the result’s right down to us,” Tunisia goalscorer Khazri stated.
“Sadly in soccer it’s higher to not must depend on others for outcomes, however we are able to exit with our heads held excessive.”
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