Photo credit: Sports Vision
Argentina have made changes to their midfield lineup for this clash, with Enzo Fernández, De Paul and Allister joining forces in midfield, while the forward line is led by Messi, Alvarez and Di Maria, while Lautaro Martinez has been shunted out of the side, and Romero replaces Lisandro Martinez.
(starting lineup)
Poland tried to capitalize on Argentina's counter-attacks, but this time Argentina's midfield was amazingly controlling, Enzo Fernández was comfortable in the middle, Allister pressed forward allowing Alvarez to cut freely into the box, Messi controlled the passes out wide, Di Maria was mainly active on the right but also switched to the left on occasion, and Argentina basically attacked on the right side of the field. Molina pressed forward and De Paul also favored the right side, and his smooth passing with Di Maria and Molina on that side allowed Argentina's right side to break through the Polish defense frequently.
Lewandowski has been trying to attack on the right, but against the efficient activity of Acuña on the Argentine left, which is heavily outnumbered, and the Argentine right, which has been consistently pressing the Polish left, it has made it difficult for both Polish flanks, Frankowski and Zielinski, to form an effective partnership, and even when Zielinski and Lewandowski have been on the same side of the road, they have Difficulty in linking up.
Poland were hungry for goals to advance, and as the first in the group, they resisted the Argentine attack, but their own formation was disorganized, and the Argentine attack was instead given space, with the likes of Messi, Alvarez, and Di Maria all having chances to control the ball.
Photo credit: Sports Vision
On 35 minutes, Alvarez had a shot blocked and then crossed the ball to the left, Messi rushed up from the far post to try and head the ball home, but Poland's keeper Szczesny failed to hit the ball but touched Messi. The referee awarded a penalty after VAR confirmed it, but Szczesny made a great save to keep out Messi's spot-kick.
Argentina missed the chance to take the lead, but the situation didn't change as Argentina still controlled the pace of the game and continued to attack while Poland tired to defend.
Photo credit: Sports Vision
Argentina took the lead shortly into the second half when Molina and Di Maria collaborated, Molina made space and played a low cross from the right into the box, Allister had already arrived at the center of the 13-yard box and fired a shot straight at the goal, Polish center backs Glik and Kiwior were unable to block in time and keeper Szczesny appeared to be unsteady in his gait and was unable to pounce! The ball rolled slowly into the far corner of the net.
After the goal, Argentina's pressure was significantly reduced and immediately replaced Di Maria and Acuña with two defenders, Tagliafico and Paredes. Supported by Paredes, Enzo Fernández was liberated and in the 66th minute, he suddenly dribbled into the penalty area in the middle of the huddle, before passing to Alvarez. Alvarez made it 2-0 with a direct shot from 14 yards on the left.
Photo credit: Sports Vision
Poland were more conservative after that, as they had to preserve their goal difference advantage, and Argentina also replaced Enzo Fernández and Alvarez in the 79th minute to end the match with a 2-0 win. Meanwhile, Mexico scored a last-minute goal to bring the score to 2-1, but due to the goal difference disadvantage, Mexico was eliminated, while Argentina progressed to the first place in the group and Poland to the second place in the group.
After Argentina advances, they will face Australia in the round of 16, which is a relatively weak opponent. Judging by the performance in the third game, Argentina is expected to win against Australia, and will most likely meet the Netherlands in the last eight, which will be a real fight to the death.
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