Argentina progressed through to the World Cup Round of 16 after recovering from Lionel Messi ’s penalty being saved to secure a two-goal victory over Poland.
Messi’s spot kick – controversially awarded after a VAR decision – was superbly saved by Wojciech Szczesny but Argentina, who were superior throughout the match, netted twice in the second half to set up a knockout clash against Australia.
Brighton midfielder Alexis MacAllister opened the scoring in the first half before Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez – making his first start of the tournament – doubled the advantage to seal Argentina’s progress.
Poland will join them in the Round of 16, playing France, as Mexico and Saudi crash out. Here are five talking points from a one-sided encounter.
Penalties are Messi’s kryptonite
Lionel Messi has perfected every area of football’s attacking play. Well, nearly every area. The superstar failed from the spot in this game – meaning he has now missed over 30 in his career.
Albeit a strong save from Wojciech Szczesny, it was an unconvincing effort from Messi – who had scored from the spot against Saudi Arabia in Argentina’s opening game. His highest profile penalty this year prior to Wednesday night’s clash saw his Champions League Round of 16 spot kick against Real Madrid saved by Real Madrid.
While Messi has been imperious throughout his career, his record from the penalty spot is relatively unspectacular.
Draw opens up for Argentina
Not only have Argentina progressed through the group stage but they have done so as group winners, meaning that they will Group D runners-up Australia in the Round of 16. Australia’s progression was a wonderful story, but that puts Argentina as strong favourites to reach the last eight.
Had Argentina not won their group, they would have been paired with world champions France – the side who eliminated them four years ago and potentially the worst possible draw they could have been handed. After their opening day shock defeat, Argentina now have World Cup momentum – and may now be among the favourites to lift the trophy.
Szczesny cements status
Wojciech Szczesny has been the outstanding goalkeeper at this World Cup and produced another outstanding penalty save to deny Messi today. The Juventus goalkeeper had already secured successive clean sheets at this World Cup and saved Saudi Arabia’s penalty in matchday two – including an astonishing follow-up save.
The former Arsenal shot-stopper has superb stats at stopping penalties – saving five of the 14 he has faced as Juventus goalkeeper. He may not be one of the more glamorous goalkeeping nations, but no number one has been in better form in Qatar than Szczesny.
Lewandowski’s Poland problem
Robert Lewandowski is one of the greatest goal scorers of all-time, with 77 international goals with Poland and an incredible 635 throughout his senior career. His 18 strikes in 19 appearances for Barcelona this season, aged 34, is testament to his excellence in longevity.
Yet Lewandowski cut an isolated, remote figure once again for Poland in this clash. A predominantly penalty box striker, his strength would be negated by dropping deep or drifting wide – but Poland were unable to assert themselves properly on the match to supply the striker, despite their defensive solidity.
Scaloni’s changing team selection
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has made wholesale changes to each of his three starting line-ups so far at this World Cup. Having made five changes to his side from the loss against Saudi Arabia to play Mexico, he made another four alterations for this clash.
Defenders Cristian Romero and Nahuel Molina were restored to the team – with Manchester United ’s Lisandro Martinez among those to make way – while Enzo Fernandez, who scored against Mexico, and Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez replaced Lautaro Martinez.
Those changes appeared to largely pay off for this game, in which Argentina were more assertive and confident than the nervy win over Mexico. Fernandez, at the base of the midfield, appeared to be the most significant selection – dictating play with Poland not being able to work out how to close him down. This was a vindication for Scaloni.
