The game between Poland and Argentina was also marked by two top scorers! Robert Lewandowski went in search of goals for Poland. At Argentina, all eyes were on Lionel Messi. The Argentinian team silenced the critics after their 2-0 win against Mexico. At the start there was the embarrassing 1:2 defeat against Saudi Arabia. Poland already had four points in their pockets after two games and thus had the best starting position in the group.
It was a fast-paced and competitive game. Argentina superstar Messi was left criminally alone on the left in the 11th minute and tested Szczęsny. However, the Polish goalkeeper saved the corner. Argentina continued to press. After 17 minutes, Alvarez shot in the penalty area. His shot went over the Szczęsny goal. Poland retreated far into their own half. Acuna tried his luck in the 29th minute. His attempt just missed the pole. Di Maria almost caught Szczęsny on the wrong foot in the 33rd minute. The Juve star brought a corner ball with a lot of spin on goal. But Angel di Maria’s team-mate deflected the ball over the goal. Poland literally begged for the goal. However, Alvarez failed again due to the strong Poland goalkeeper. Szczęsny then tried to clear a cross, but instead of hitting the ball, he hit Messi in the face.
After examining the pictures, referee Makkelie pointed to the penalty spot. The PSG star appeared in person. But again Szczęsny was the winner and again saved his team from going behind. A few seconds after the start of the second half, Argentina finally struck. Di Maria put on Molina, who found Mc Allister in the penalty area with his cross. The midfielder put the ball into the left corner and the Argentine national team took the lead with the help of the bar. A Glik header that just missed the left post was Poland’s most dangerous chance of the game (50′). After a brilliant push from Fernandez, Alvarez slammed the ball into the net to make it 2-0.
Mexico’s 2-1 (0-0) victory over Saudi Arabia is probably the most bitter ever at the World Cup in Qatar. On Wednesday, the vastly superior “Ticols” deservedly prevailed thanks to goals from Henry Martin (48th) and Luis Chavez (52nd) in Lusail, but were unable to convert their clear advantage into further goals. In the fight for the round of 16 they were at a disadvantage compared to Poland, who were tied on points and lost 2-0 to Argentina in the parallel game.
Eight days after the sensational 2-1 win over Argentina, the completely harmless Saudis only scored in injury time through Salem Aldawsari (95th), Mexico’s desperate attempts were not rewarded. Gerardo Martino’s side had their sights set on the third goal that would have given them promotion. That would have been necessary, had the fair play rating been the deciding factor in a 2-0 win – and Poland had also had the advantage.
