Poland 0-2 Argentina, Mexico 2-1 Saudi – Szczesny saves Messi penalty, Mac Allister, Alvarez score for Argentina as Poland also Qualify...CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Argentina are Through to the knockout stages of the world cup after beating Poland 2-0 via goals from Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez, despite Szczesny saving Messi’s penalty in the first half
Poland also are through to the knockout stages on goal difference despite the 2-0 loss to Argentina after Mexico beat Saudi Arabia 2-1.
Poland will face France in the last 16 on Sunday, while Argentina will play Australia, who finished second in Group D, on Saturday.
Tunisia upset France but fail to qualify
France had a goal ruled out by VAR for offside in the final minute of stoppage-time as Tunisia held on to register a shock victory. However, despite victory they failed to qualify for the last 16 of the World Cup.
Substitute Antoine Griezmann volleyed in a dramatic equaliser at the Education City Stadium, but the VAR decision meant Tunisia captain Wahbi Khazi’s brilliant first-half goal proved to be the winner.
However, with Australia recording a 1-0 victory over Denmark in the other match in Group D, Tunisia’s hopes of progressing had been dashed before Griezmann’s goal was ruled out.
“It’s mixed feelings because we’re happy to beat a team like France,” said Tunisia manager Jalel Kadri. “We can be proud and leave with our head high, but it is a bitter victory.
“It would have been beautiful to beat France and reach the last 16. It is our fault for not doing what we needed to do before.”
France are through to the last 16 as group winners having already secured qualification with victory over Denmark in the last game.
Despite their failure to progress, Tunisia captain Khazi produced the moment fans had been waiting for – a goal at this World Cup – when he drove to the edge of the box and coolly rolled it into the bottom right corner.
There was an outpouring of emotion from a large following of Tunisia fans at the stadium, while Tunisian substitutes sprinted onto the pitch in a moment of pure elation.
But their celebrations were shortlived when news of Australia’s lead began to ripple through the stadium, with supporters checking their phones for updates from the other match in Group D.
France, who were much-changed from their 2-1 win over Denmark having already qualified as group winners, lacked quality in a disappointing performance.
Paris St-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe and Atletico Madrid’s Griezmann were brought on later in the second half to try and find a way back into the game.
They had an impact despite loud jeers and whistling from Tunisia fans keen to put them off and Griezmann almost provided the goal they craved.
Didier Deschamps’ side are set to face the runner-up of Group C, currently Argentina, in the last 16 on Sunday, 4 December. Tunisia’s wait to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time continues as they exit the competition.
Australia stun Denmark to reach World Cup last 16
Australia reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in 16 years after shocking Denmark. The Danes, needing victory to progress, dominated possession but were caught out on the break when Australia scored the winner on the hour mark.
Denmark lost the ball in the Australian box and Mathew Leckie finished a brilliant counter attack with a low shot past Kasper Schmeichel.
Australia finish in second place in Group D on six points, only behind world champions France on goal difference. Denmark meanwhile exit Qatar 2022 in disappointing fashion, with just one point from three games, sitting bottom of the group.
Australia will now play the winners of Group C – with Poland, Argentina and Saudi Arabia all in with a chance of topping the table – on Saturday (19:00 GMT).
