Poland squeeze past Mexico Into last-16 despite defeat

POLAND ARGENTINA 0 2

Poland scraped into the last 16 of the World Cup on goal difference after a backs-to-the-wall performance saw them lose 2-0 to Group C winners Argentina.

With the group on a knife edge heading into the final round of fixtures, Mexico conceded a last-gasp goal in a 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia, sending Poland through after it had seemed for much of the second half that they would advance purely on fair play rules.

Second-half goals from Premier League duo Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez ensured Argentina progressed after Lionel Messi had a controversial penalty saved by Wojciech Szczensy.

Messi will now lead Argentina out versus Australia in the next round, while Poland’s reward for squeaking through is a tough test against reigning champions France.

Playing the 999th game of his senior career, Messi had two early chances saved by Szczesny as he struggled to get into the contest, with Robert Lewandowski suffering from a similar issue at the other end of the pitch.

Marcos Acuna arrowed an effort wide just before the half-hour and Szczesny had to be alert to tip a dipping Angel Di Maria corner over the crossbar soon after.

Juventus goalkeeper Szczesny was again called into action to turn away an Alvarez shot but in attempting to claim a cross from the rebound he caught Messi with a stray hand, the VAR alerting

POLAND BLOW: Julian Alvarez curls home Argentina’s second goal to leave Poland stunned. However, Robert Lewandowski and his team-mates were soon celebrating a last-16 spot after Mexico conceded a late goal.