From BZ/dpa
Argentina with superstar Lionel Messi made it to the round of 16 of the World Cup in Qatar. The two-time world champions celebrated a 2-0 (0-0) win over Poland in Doha on Wednesday and entered the knockout stages as the winners of Group C.
The Poles saved themselves in second place with world footballer Robert Lewandowski, who advanced ahead of the Mexicans, who were tied on points, thanks to the better goal difference. The 2-1 (0-0) win against Saudi Arabia was not enough for the Mexicans.
After a missed penalty by Messi, which failed in the 39th minute by Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, Alexis Mac Allister (46th) saved the Argentines with his goal. Julian Alvarez (67th) made the final score. The Argentinians meet Australia in the round of 16 on Saturday (8:00 p.m.). One day later, Poland will face defending champions France.
Meanwhile, Mexico and Saudi Arabia have to return home. Henry Martin (47′) and Luis Chavez (52′) scored in the Mexicans’ ultimately worthless victory in Lusail. Salem Al-Dawsari’s stoppage-time goal (90+5) finally sealed Mexico’s exit.
Mexico’s Uriel Antuna celebrates his goal to make it 3-0. But the goal was disallowed for offside and Mexico were eliminated Photo: KARIM JAAFAR/AFP
Mexico played, but El Tri often acted too unfocused in front of the opposing goal. A deflected shot by Chávez was the best chance as the game progressed (41′). The Saudis concentrated on defending and often stopped the Mexicans with fouls.
The Mexicans were then rewarded immediately after half-time. Striker Martín scored from close range from a corner and Chávez doubled up from a direct free-kick. With that, the eyes of the Mexicans went to the parallel game in Group C between Poland and Argentina. To increase the chances of progressing, El Tri needed one more goal – and accordingly played further forward.
A goal by Hirving Lozano was ruled out due to an offside position (56′). Almost nothing came from the Saudis offensively. Mexico ran, but missed the best chance of the third goal. Martín (70′) and Chávez (73′) missed the target. Chávez was again interrupted at the last second after a counterattack in front of the empty goal (78th).