Group C had it all. After losing the opening match against Saudi Arabia, Argentina got off to a good start and, after beating Poland 2-0, are well deserved as group winners in the round of 16. Poland, on the other hand, had to tremble until the last second and only advance to the next round behind Argentina thanks to the better goal difference.
Argentina gave a disappointing Poland no chance at all in the last group game (read the match report here). Lionel Messi failed - again! - from the point, but after the change of sides, Lionel Scaloni's team was rewarded for a convincing performance: Mac Allister (46th) and Alvarez (67th) scored the redeeming goals for Argentina.Meanwhile, Mexico scored in the parallel game against Saudi Arabia twice shortly after half-time and turned the entire group upside down. With this result, Mexico and Poland were tied on points and goals, and in a direct comparison the two national teams had also drawn. That meant: at this point in time, the fair play rating would decide who progressed.
While Poland posed no threat at all against Argentina, Mexico pushed for the third goal against Saudi Arabia. Because: with 6: 4 yellow cards, Mexico would lose the fair play comparison with Poland. Totally crazy! Incidentally, if the fair play value had been the same, the draw would have decided who would have reached the round of 16. Argentina and Saudi Arabia ultimately helped Poland to reach the round of 16. Argentina, as they went down several gears, sparing the Poles from another goal. Saudi Arabia, because they scored the goal against Mexico in stoppage time, tipping the goal difference in Poland's favour. It remained in the parallel game at 2:1.
The Poles, who were disappointing across the board against Argentina, cheated their way into the round of 16 as group runners-up, where defending champions France are now waiting. Argentina, on the other hand, bypassed the world champions by beating Poland and, as group winners, met surprise team Australia in the round of 16.
This article was originally published on 90min.de as Argentina as group winners - Poland "cheats" into the round of 16.
