Argentina, Mexico, Australia & Tunisia Win
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Poland 0
Argentina 2
[Mac Allister 46, Alvarez 67]
Argentina advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup after a routine victory over Poland in Group C in Doha.
The South Americans, who suffered a surprise defeat against Saudi Arabia in their opener, went through on goal difference after finishing level on points with Mexico. They will face Australia in the second round.
Meanwhile, Poland also reached the last 16 as they had a better goal difference than Saudi Arabia. They will meet France in the next round.
First-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez gave Argentina the win. They could have won by a more comfortable margin had Lionel Messi not missed a penalty in the first half.
Saudi Arabia 1
[Al-Dawsari 90+5]
Mexico 2
[Martin 47, Chavez 52]
Mexico crashed out of the World Cup on goal difference in agonising fashion after losing 2-1 to Saudi Arabia.
With Argentina beating Poland 2-0 and Mexico leading by the same scoreline, the Central Americans needed one more goal to prevent them from going out on Fifa’s fair play rule.
However, Salem Al-Dawsari netted in stoppage time for Saudi Arabia to crush Mexico’s hopes.
Mexico took the lead through Henry Martin early in the second half before Luis Chavez doubled their lead minutes later.
They thought they had sealed their progression when Uriel Antuna scored a third but the goal was adjudged to have been offside.
Group C
1. Argentina 6pts; 2. Poland 4pts; 3. Mexico 4pts; 4. Saudi Arabia 3pts
Australia 1
[Leckie 60]
Denmark 0
Australia advanced to the last 16 for the first time in 16 years after a surprise win over Denmark in Group D.
Matthew Leckie scored the decisive goal on the hour mark with a low past shot past Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Tunisia 1
[Khazri 58]
France 0
France suffered a shock defeat in their final Group D game against Tunisia.
The French had an Antoine Griezmann goal ruled out by VAR for offside in the final minute of stoppage time.
Saudi Arabia, who missed out on reaching the last 16, took the lead through a superb finish from Wahbi Khazri in the second half.
Group D
1. France 6pts; 2. Australia 6pts; 3. Tunisia 4pts; 4. Denmark 1pts
Today’s games
Group E
Costa Rica v Germany, 3 pm
Japan v Spain, 3 pm
Group F
Canada v Morocco, 11 am
Croatia v Belgium, 11 am
