To secure a spot in the Round of 16 Argentina needed to win this match, and right from the start they were a force of thunder. Argentina managed to gain three points after defeating Poland 2-0.
During the first ten minutes of the match, Lionel Messi had two shots that were on target as Argentina continued to put pressure on Poland. Throughout the first half, they kept piling on the shots, including a breathtaking Olimpico try from Rodrigo de Paul from the corner flag.
In the 37th minute of the game, Messi had a penalty shot, but, in a stunning twist, Szczesny saved Messi’s penalty with a brilliant diving block – his second penalty save of the tournament, and Messi’s second blocked penalty of the tournament. By the end of the first half, the game was still 0-0.
At the start of the second half, Mac Allister got on the end of a cut-back and his shot bobbled and spun slowly into the post then into the net. Argentina was relentless with their attack, and by the 67th minute, Alvarez scored the team’s second goal. For the rest of the game, Argentina dominated possession but could not score a third goal.
Following this match, Lionel Messi is now the oldest player on record (since 1966) to create 5+ chances and make 5+ dribbles in a World Cup match.
So far, it’s been confirmed that Argentina will be going against Australia for the Round of 16 on December 4.
