Poland 0-2 Argentina: Argentina run rampant over Poland to top Group C
Argentina brushed aside an opening loss at the FIFA World Cup and are through to the Round of 16 after a 2-0 victory over Poland sealed their spot at the top of Group C.
It’s not hard to envision that bitterness and frustration were common feelings inside the Argentina locker room at halftime of their critical Group C finale. Los Albicelestes put forth their best performance of the entire tournament over the first 45 minutes, but the match remained scoreless.
It took just 60 seconds after the intermission for Argentina to finally reap their rewards.
Alexis Mac Allister scored his first international goal for Argentina in the first minute of the second half and Julián Álvarez added another in the 67th minute in a dominant performance.
Lionel Messi’s dream of hoisting the World Cup trophy in what could be his final appearance at the tournament lives till at least the weekend.
Miraculously, Poland still qualified for the Round of 16 despite their putrid performance. Poland and Mexico finished level with four points, but the Red and Whites advanced thanks to goal differential.
Most of Argentina’s success in the first half came down the right side, and that threat provided the first dividends. Right back Nahuel Molina sent in a low cross that Mac Allister hit first-time into the bottom left corner.
Argentina didn’t let up after the opening goal, taking full advantage of Poland’s timid tactics.
A slick pass from Enzo Fernández found Álvarez inside the box, and he needed just one touch to create space and curl a shot into the back of the net.
After featuring as a substitute in the first two matches, Fernández earned a start following his brilliant goal against Mexico. He rewarded Lionel Scaloni with a balanced performance, capped off by his assist.
It was a minor miracle Argentina didn’t score during the first half. Wojciech Szczęsny cemented his early status as goalkeeper of the tournament with seven saves.
The highlight for Szczęsny came in the 39th minute, denying Messi from the spot with a dive to his left. With the help of VAR, Danny Makkelie awarded a shocking penalty to Argentina after Szczęsny made contact with Messi’s face whilst attempting to punch a cross that the Argentina star headed over the bar.
Messi eventually stole the show against Mexico on Saturday, but he and his team got off to a dreadful start before pulling away to a 2-0 victory.
The same can’t be said for Wednesday night’s match. Los Albicelestes were up for it right from the opening whistle, with Messi producing two shots on target in the first 10 minutes.
Argentina particularly turned the pressure on at the 30-minute mark, pinning Poland back with a high-press and overwhelming possession.
When Poland did win possession, Robert Lewandowski was stranded on an island near the halfway line and unable to keep control of the ball against Christian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi.
Poland will need to be much better on Sunday when they face France in the Round of 16. Argentina, meanwhile, only have two days off before a favourable tie against Australia to kickoff their run in the knockout stage.
