Image: Argentina easily overcame Poland 2-0 and entered the round of 16 of the World Cup | Qatar World Cup 2022

by Lionel Messi Argentina beat Poland 2-0 in the final match of Group C of the World Cup at 974 Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday to advance to the knockout stages where they will face Australia.

Argentina top the standings with six points while Poland are second on goal difference against Mexico, who beat Saudi Arabia 2-1.

Midfielder Alexis MacAllister gave Argentina the lead shortly after the break with a low first shot after a smooth pass, while Julian Alvarez shot past Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny in the 67th minute to make it 2- 0.

In the first half, Szczesny was Poland’s hero as he made a tight save to deny Messi’s penalty, which was awarded after his outstretched hand touched the Argentine forward’s face.