The 2022 FIFA World Cup Wednesday continues with Group C in the lead Poland (1-1-0) faces Argentina (1-0-1) at Stadium 974, Ras Abu Dhabi, Qatar.
You can watch this game and Every match of the tournament on Fox Sports Family Networks — the tournament’s official English-language broadcast partner in the United States — and the FOX Sports app and FOXSports.com. You can too Stream full-match replays on Doobi for free.
Here are the best plays!
Setting the stage
Argentina are aiming to reach the knockout stages for the 13th time in their last 14 World Cups. Sitting in an unusual position, Argentina must win on Wednesday, either draw with Poland and Mexico or beat Saudi Arabia. Poland, on the other hand, are aiming to remain unbeaten after picking up a win and a draw in their previous two group-stage games. Like Argentina, Poland are in a position to advance to the knockout rounds. Poland, who top Group C with four points, can also advance with a draw.
Lionel Messi Taking the final pitch at the World Cup?
With Argentina facing relegation, Messi is leading his country on the pitch for what will likely be his last World Cup as he has suggested it will be his last.
7′: Messi wins the battle for the ball but doesn’t finish the chance.
The 35-year-old grabbed the ball back for Argentina. However, Messi could not complete the highlight play and put a point on the board.
10′: More Messi chances
Messi was released from the left side of the box before Poland’s defense cleared the ball from an angle. Wojciech Szczesny.
28′: Argentina go close but no cigar
Julian Alvarez Had a great chance in front of the net to give Argentina a 1-0 lead, but his shot was blocked. Marcos Aguna Got the rebound but his shot went wide.
33′: Closer to the Olimpico!
Argentina’s Angel Di Maria almost scored a goal on this corner kick.
36′: Saves by Szczęsny
The Polish goalkeeper continues to make stops to keep Argentina off the board.
38′: Messi gets a penalty
A VAR review determined the Argentina striker had been fouled in the box and was awarded a penalty kick.
39′: Messi is stopped in PK!
In the battle of the titans so far, Szczesny got the better of Messi on the penalty kick, correctly guessing to keep the game scoreless.
Lionel Messi’s penalty kick was denied by Wojciech Szczesny to keep Argentina and Poland scoreless.
Halftime: Both teams still scoreless
Despite the score of 0-0, the Argentina-Poland match has been exciting. Argentina continued to create chances, but Szczęsny rose to the challenge, recording nine saves in the first half. Former USA goalkeeper Tim Howard holds the record for most saves by a player at the 2014 World Cup with 15 saves.
Both Argentina and Poland will be out of Group C if current results hold in this match and the Mexico-Saudi Arabia match. However, a goal from Saudi Arabia would put pressure on Argentina to take the lead in the second half. If Saudi Arabia win Argentina will need a win to advance.
47′: Argentina finally break through
When Szczęsny finally couldn’t stop Alexis Mac Allisters The shot off the cross went into the back of the net, giving Argentina a 1-0 lead.
Argentina’s Alexis MacAllister scores against Poland in the 46′.
Argentina scored to give Mexico a 1-0 lead. However, if the current scores hold, Poland will still go through with Argentina. After recent goals, Poland lead Mexico by two on goal difference.
50′: Poland almost level
Click here Poland got a good header at a set piece but his shot went wide as Poland looked for a goal.
60′: Poland under pressure
By current score, Poland is still in a position to progress. However, Mexico went 2-0 up and almost added a third goal, which was ruled out for offside. If Mexico goes 3-0 up, Poland will need another goal to advance, as Mexico will tie Poland on goal difference but lead in goals scored.
67′: Argentina double their lead
Argentina took a 2-0 lead when Alvarez fired an accurate shot into the top right corner.
Poland still finished second in Group C, but only because of fair play points. Any goal scored in the last 20-plus minutes of either game will determine who advances between Poland and Mexico.
Stay tuned for updates!
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