Poland vs Argentina summary: score, goals, highlights 0-2 | Qatar World Cup 2022

More Messi

According to Opta, Lionel Messi is the oldest player on record (since 1966) to create 5+ chances and make 5+ dribbles in a World Cup match, with the previous oldest being Diego Maradona against Nigeria in 1994. 

Otamendi: "Step by step"

It was another impressive performance from the experienced defender against Poland.

Fernández walks off

Enzo thought he announced himself on the big stage after that screamer against Mexico!

"The team was convinced we were going to win. Once we scored the goal we were able to do our thing. This is a group that whoever plays knows what they have to do. This is the strength of the group. The togetherness. We have to prepare for the game [Australia] as usual. We know it's going to be very tough. I want to say to the Argentinians the same as always, especially after losing the first match, that we should remain calm, that this group can do well."

"I'm very happy, personally and for the group. We played a great match and we sealed qualification. We're going to give our best and give everything to the Argentinian people."

"It's beautiful to score a goal in the World Cup. It was a dream when I was a kid to play in a World Cup. The important thing is that it went in. I've started to trust more in the group because we have the quality."

De Paul steps up

Against Poland, Rodrigo De Paul completed the highest number of passes of any Argentina player at a World Cup since records in 1966, according to Opta.

Return of the Mac

The Brighton man broke the deadlock for Argentina tonight and offered energy in key areas. Here are some of his stats from Statman Dave.

World Cup Round of 16 fixtures

Netherlands-USA

Argentina-Australia 

England-Senegal 

France-Poland 

Szczesny proud of Messi penalty save

Szczesny spoke after Poland's 2-0 defeat to Argentina about saving Messi's penalty in the first half of the World Cup clash.

"I'm going to frame the save and put it on a wall one day."

Álvarez scores first World Cup goal

And he took it so well.

Messi's World Cup story continues

Many feared he would be heading home early before the Mexico game, but he's still here!

Remember Saudi Arabia?

It did happen. Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia in their first World Cup match in Qatar but they've picked up six points from six since then to book their place in the last 16.

They have showed mental strength to record back-to-back wins after losing the first game.

Messi then missed a penalty tonight but Mac Allister and Álvarez popped up with the all-important goals.

La Albiceleste now face Australia on Saturday.

Szczesny keeps Poland in World Cup

Only for Szczesny in goal for Poland, they would be going home. They've gone through on goal difference. Szczesny saved a penalty from Messi and made a couple of other saves to keep the score down.

A bit mad!

Round of 16 fixtures:

Argentina vs Australia

Poland vs France

Group C:

1 | Argentina - 6 points

2 | Poland - 4 points

3 | Mexico - 4 points

4 | Saudi Arabia - 3 points

Argentina and Poland go through to the last 16 from Group C.

Poland make it through on goal difference.

FT: Saudi Arabia 1-2 Mexico

It just too little, too late for Mexico, who have been dumped out of the 2022 World Cup along with Saudi Arabia.

The Poland players and fans are celebrating on the pitch here.

Mexican hearts have been broken.

Saudi Arabia have scored against Mexico!

It's now Saudi Arabia 1-2 Mexico.

As it stands, Poland will go through to the round of 16.

Poland now have to wait for the Mexico game to end.

FT: Poland 0-2 Argentina

Argentina top Group C and will play Australia in the last 16.

We're into the last 30 seconds.

Messi wins Argentina a free near the halfway line. It's Lewandowski who fouls him.

Kiwior heads it off the line for Poland.

If that goes in, Poland are gone...

The Polish supporters can barely look on...

Argentina have a corner!

As it stands, Poland are going through on disciplinary points - they have less yellow cards than Mexico.

Mexico have scored but it's been ruled out for offside.

That could be absolutely heartbreaking for El Tri.

There will be SIX minutes added on.

The Mexico game is behind this one so the Poland players may have to wait around for a couple of minutes before they know if they're staying in Qatar or going home!

Argentina are just happy to knock it about now and run the clock down. Lewandowski has barely touched the ball.

If Martínez scores there, Poland would be packing their bags.

Lautaro misses a sitter!

He's one on one with Szczesny and drags it wide of the post.

It should be three!

MacAllister is replaced by Almada, who is playing only his second ever game for Argentina.

OFF Alexis MacAllister

ON Thiago Almada

OFF Grzegorz Krychowiak

ON Krzysztof Piatek

Both teams are going to make more changes.

It's still 2-0 to Mexico against Saudi Arabia.

Scaloni started Álvarez and Fernández and got his decision spot-on.

They are two very young and talented players.

Double change for Argentina

OFF Julian Álvarez
ON Lautaro Martínez

OFF Enzo Fernández
ON German Pezzella

Premier League boys

Mac Allister (Brighton) and Álvarez (Manchester City) are on the score-sheet for Argentina.

Poland have been very disappointing and will only have themselves to blame if they get knocked out.

ÁLVAREZ!

He should really score but blasts into the side netting.

It remains 2-0 to Argentina.

This is why Poland would go through over Mexico:

Poland - 4 yellow cards

Mexico - 7 yellow cards

Messi!

Szczesny saves.

Messi fails to connect with it.

Another goal for Argentina or Mexico will see Poland drop to third in the group.

As things stand, Poland are ahead of Mexico even though their goal difference and goals scored are the same because of disciplinary points.

​​​​​​​Poland have less yellow cards.

Argentina double their lead

Poland 0-2 Argentina

Álvarez delivers for La Albiceleste. That goal has been coming. He has so much quality. It's a brilliant strike. 

It's a superb hit!

Fernández picks him out with a delightful pass.

Argentina extend their lead!

Emi Martínez has had very little to do between the sticks for Argentina.

Poland are still happy to sit deep and invite the pressure. 

A second Argentina goal would make it quite difficult for them.

When Messi picks it up in those positions, he is just so hard to handle. 

Messi is in the inside left channel...

He drops the shoulder once, he drops it twice... and gets a shot off. Poland block it and it goes out for a corner.

Poland sub

OFF Krystian Bielik

ON Damian Szymanski

MAC ALLISTER!

Szczesny saves. A nice move from Argentina sees Messi pick out Tagliafico, who crosses to Mac Allister but his effort is saved.

Argentina changes

OFF Ángel Di María

ON Leandro Paredes

OFF Marcos Acuña

ON Nicolas Tagliafico

Fresh legs on for Argentina.

One more Mexico goal, or one more Argentina goal, will see Poland drop to third in this group. 

Mexico have doubled their lead over Saudi Arabia. It's now 2-0. Chávez with the goal. Poland are still going through, as it stands.

Opta - Enzo Fernández (21y 317d) is the youngest player to start a World Cup game for Argentina since Messi vs Netherlands in 2006 (18y 362d).

Messi goes on one of those mazy runs but fails to connect at the vital moment. Maybe, just maybe, he is human.

De Paul goes through Bereszynski but wins the ball. He catches him on the way through. He hasn't been at his best in recent times, De Paul. He's in and out of the Atlético Madrid team but Lionel Scaloni is a fan.

Despite Mexico's goal, Poland will still go through (on goal difference), as things stand.

Mexico have taken the lead against Saudi Arabia!

Henry Martín of Club América has the goal.

Glik!

The Poland centre-back heads just wide.

The stadium is absolutely rocking!

Poland 0-1 Argentina

It wasn't his sweetest ever strike but he won't care.

MacAllister gets his first goal for the Alibceleste. He'll never forget that moment!

Poland's plan has gone out the window.

Molina crosses low from the right and the Brighton man fires it past Szczesny.

It's his first ever international goal!

​​​​​​​Not a bad time to score it.

Double Poland change

OFF Karol Swiderski

ON Michal Skoras

OFF Przemyslaw Frankowski

ON Jakub Kaminski

Argentina get us underway for the second half!

Poland are going to make a couple of half-time changes.

The wall

It's not over yet though!

Szczesny stat

Opta - Wojciech Szczesny is only the second goalkeeper on record (since 1966) to save a penalty at the World Cup after conceding it himself, after Joel Bats for France against Brazil in 1986.

HT: Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico

It's also goalless at the break in the other game between Saudi Arabia and Mexico.

Argentina are going through as group runners-up, as things stand.

Argentina fail to break the deadlock

It's goalless at the break.

Argentina have been unable to get past Szczesny in the Poland goal.

Messi missed a penalty. They've dominated possession and have had the best chances so far.

HT: Poland 0-0 Argentina

There's the whistle for half-time!

Argentina have pushed and pushed but have just lacked that bit of quality in the final third. Lewandowski has barely touched the ball for Poland as he looks on from the halfway line.

There will be three minutes added on!

Poland have spent the majority of this first half camped in their own half. 

It's also goalless in tonight's other Group C game between Saudi Arabia and Mexico.

Argentina will play France, as things stand.

The ball is in Szczesny's hands again.

Di María mishits his cross and it goes straight into the hands of the former Arsenal netminder.

Szczesny has saved two penalties in three World Cup games. Not a bad a start to the tournament for him, but I've a feeling he's going to have a lot more to do tonight.

Messi drives a cross low across the six-yard box but there is nobody at the back post to meet it.

Messi hits the penalty really well but Szczesny does superbly well to keep it out.

Szczesny denies Messi from 12 yards and it remains 0-0.

The Poland keeper goes the right way. It's a super save.

Szczesny SAVES IT!

MESSI steps up...

Danny Makkelie points to the spot!

PENALTY!

Argentina have a penalty!

It's for an apparent Szczesny foul on Messi.

VAR is looking at it.

There is a penalty check now for Argentina!

MacAllister sends Álvarez through on goal but Szczesny denies the Manchester City striker.

Enzo Fernández shoots from way out. It's a poor effort from the 21-year-old.

Messi looks frustrated with his decision/attempt.

Di María's corner is curling in but Szczesny tips it over!

Whether he meant it or not, we'll never know.

Every Poland player is in their own half as Argentina look to find a way through. 

Argentina win a corner.

Di María goes over to take the corner on the right.

It nearly goes in!

That was Argentina's best chance of the game so far.

Acuña has had two efforts inside the opening 30 minutes but it remains 0-0.

Stadium 974 is rocking with Argentina fans. 

ÁLVAREZ!

It's a great chance for the Manchester City forward but his low shot is blocked and it eventually falls to Acuña, who drives it wide, right across the face of the goalmouth.

Poland are happy to sit deep and not press the Argentina midfield. It's worth remembering that a draw is enough for them so they will be ok to sit back, soak up the pressure, and defend with two banks of four.

Buenos Aires empties out

Buenos Aires is like a ghost town. It really is a football-mad country.

Zielinski whips in the corner from the right.

Argentina clear. 

Cash is down for Poland after running into Acuña. The Aston Villa full-back is holding his shoulder. Poland have a free on the right. Romero heads the cross away.

It's the first time Cash makes a dart forward as his main priority has been looking after defensive duties.

Messi picks Acuña out. The left-back does well to take it down before cutting back onto his right and firing over.

Marcos Acuña shoots over the bar!

Group C, as things stand

1. Poland: 5 points, +2 goal difference

2. Argentina: 4 points, +1 goal difference

3.Saudi Arabia: 4 points, -1 goal difference

4. Mexico: 2 points, -2 goal difference

Argentina have looked the brighter side after the opening exchanges. They're getting joy on the right with Di María.

Poland vs Argentina

Lewandowski vs Messi.

Messi!

He does really well to get past Cash and shoot on his left. 

Szczesny saves!

That's two shots in three minutes from Messi. He's in the mood, again.

Romero goes through the back of Lewandowski, just to let him know he's there. 

It's a free to Poland. 0-0

The Argentina fans are in full voice here!

Messi!​​​​​​​

He ends up being forced onto his right and Szczesny gets down to save it easily.

He doesn't connect well. The 35-year-old has scored in his last six games for Argentina.

That's a poor effort from Bielik but good play from Poland overall.

Before Argentina's shock defeat to Saudi Arabia on their opening day, they went 36 games unbeaten. 

Glik has a word with Otamendi. He had an issue with the Argentine using his elbow.

Argentina win an early corner.

Messi takes it from the right. It goes to the front post and is headed away.

It comes back in but Otamendi's header goes wide.

We're underway!

It's Poland vs Argentina

Danny Makkelie is tonight's referee.

We're just moments away now!

We now have the Argentina national anthem   ​​​​​​​

It's time for the national anthem of Poland   ​​​​​​​

Tonight is Messi's 999th career game! 

He has scored 778 times in his previous 998 games.

AS prediction: Poland 1-2 Argentina

It's worth remembering that a draw for Poland will be enough for them to advance to the round of 16.

The Argentina players have left their dressing room. They're donning a purple kit.

Messi's last World Cup?

Let's be honest, it probably is Messi's last World Cup. He is already 35. The Argentina captain celebrated his goal against Mexico on Saturday like it was the most important of his career. You can't bet against him finding the net again today.

Kickoff is just 15 minutes away!     ​​​​​​​

Fernández and Álvarez start for Argentina

Enzo Fernández and Julian Álvarez both start for Argentina against Poland. 

Fernández scored a stunning goal against Mexico in La Albiceleste's last game against Mexico.

Cristian Romero, Nahuel Molina have been selected to start in a back four.

Lisandro Martínez, Gonzalo Montiel, Guido Rodríguez and Lautaro Martínez all drop to the bench.

Poland XI

Argentina XI

Tonight's venue: Stadium 974

Stadium 974 in Qatar is the world's first transportable football arena. It's made from repurposed shipping containers and can be completely dismantled.

What if Poland go through?

A win or a draw would send Poland through to the last 16 of the World Cup.

If they finish top of the group they'll play Australia and if they go through as runners-up, they will take on reigning champions France.

Who can Argentina get in last 16?

If Argentina beat Poland, they would finish top of the group and face Australia in the round of 16.

If they finish second in the group they will play France in the round of 16.

Poland XI vs Argentina

Szczesny; Bereszynski, Glik, Kiwior, Cash; Frankowski, Bielik, Krychowiak, Zielinski; Swiderski; Lewandowski.

Argentina XI vs Poland

Martínez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuña; De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister; Messi, Álvarez, Di María.

Argentina to wear second shirt vs Poland

It won't be the famous blue and white today.

Messi's boots

Special boots for a special player.

Can he score again tonight?

Poland vs Argentina: previous meetings

11 previous meetings:

6 Argentina wins

2 draws

3 Poland wins

WORLD CUP 2022

Who is the referee for Poland vs Argentina in the World Cup 2022 group C final game?

When it comes to keeping control of tense situations, you can hardly do better than putting a member of the police force on the job. Step forward Danny Makkelie, who leads a double life, sometimes as a FIFA referee (listed since 2011) and sometimes as a police inspector in his hometown of Willemstad in the Netherlands.

Yellow (and red) cards can prove crucial at this stage of the tournament, but at Doha’s 974 Stadium any naughty Poles are Argentines better watch out for a pair of handcuffs popping out too.

Read more

Messi, mate and eyes on Poland

Here they come, mate in one hand, just how they like it.

Poland get ready

Kickoff is over an hour away but the players and staff are going through the final part of their pre-match routines.

Poland XI vs Argentina

Here's the Poland XI!

Group C

1 | Poland - 4 points

2 | Argentina - 3 points

3 | Saudi Arabia - 3 points

4 | Mexico - 1 point

This is how it currently looks in Group C. 

We'll be focusing on the two teams at the top but anything can happen in this group.

Saudi Arabia will be hoping to cause another upset when they take on Tata Martino's Mexico in the last group stage game.

Lewandowski vs Messi

They do have one thing in common. 

They've both played for the Blaugrana. Lewandowski has done a pretty good job for Barcelona so far. He also scored his first World Cup goal for Poland against Saudi Arabia.

Nobody said it was easy

Going into the 2022 World Cup, Argentina were favourites alongside Brazil to win the tournament. And why wouldn't they have been?  They were on a 36-game unbeaten run and they have Lionel Messi in attack.

However, this tournament is not straightforward and after being humiliated on their opening day against Saudi Arabia, Lionel Scaloni's side got over the line in their second game, a 2-0 victory over Mexico. That was a tough watch. If you missed it, I would recommend the shortest possible version of highlights.

Today sees the South American team could up against Poland. 

Argentina prepare for Group C clash

Argentina have three points going into this match against Poland, who are top of the group on four points.

Pretty big news

That's quite massive actually. Australia are through to the last 16 after beating Denmark 1-0. What an achievement! They will be celebrating well into the night down under.

Poland vs Argentina: hello and welcome!

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of this Group C match between Poland and Argentina. 

My name is Kieran and I'll be providing you with all the latest news and team news ahead of kickoff. We'll also have live text commentary coming up shortly.