Argentina didn’t make its route to the World Cup knockout stage simple. The shock loss in the opener to Saudi Arabia confirmed that it would be a roundabout path to the round of 16, and in a matchup against Poland that it thoroughly dominated, a missed penalty by star Lionel Messi marked a first half full of wasted chances.
But ultimately, the quality of La Albiceleste shone through. Alexis Mac Allister scored the opener with a well-placed volley, and Julián Álvarez solidifed the victory with a goal of his own. But for Poland, this result was far more tense.
Robert Lewandowski’s side was under the cosh for most of the match. Even with a loss, Poland needed just to hold onto its substantial goal differential lead over Mexico after El Tri took a 2–0 second half lead over Saudi Arabia. It wasn’t a pretty performance, but Poland did what it needed to advance to the round of 16. With Mexico winning just 2–1, Poland advanced to the knockout stage on goal differential. Wojciech Szczęsny was a brick wall for his side, denying nine Argentina chances in the first half—including the Messi penalty kick—as both teams vied for spots in the knockout round.
