FIFA World Cup 2022: Group C- Mexico eliminated in group stage for the first time since 1978, Argentina go through despite penalty miss from Lionel Messi

FIFA World Cup 2022 (Image source: Twitter)

Football fans were given a massive shocker by Saudi Arabia as they defeated Argentina in their first FIFA World Cup 2022 match. Since then however normal services have been resumed. Thursday brought two do-or-die games to the foray. Let's see how they panned out.

Poland vs Argentina

Argentina needed a win to get into the Round of 16 against Poland. The Lionel Messi-led side came out determined to get it and played like favourites from the word get-go. Messi and Argentina were given a ladder to climb on in the 39th minute in form of a penalty. Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny however denied Messi a goal by sensational shot-stopping.

The match was 0-0 at halftime but the second half saw a resurgent Argentina who broke the deadlock from a Alexis Mac Allister's goal in the 46th minute. Julian Alvarez doubled the lead in a 67th-minute goal. Argentina then defended well and saw through the game

Saudi Arabia vs Mexico

Mexico needed a win and a better goal difference to get through to the Round of 16. They did all they could and also were once equal with Poland until the very end. The North American country had taken a two-goal lead in the match with goals from Henry Martin and Luis Chavez. They were however left heartbroken by Salem Al- Dawsari as he brought one back with a goal in 90+5 minutes to pull Mexico down with them.

As a result of Saudi Arabia's goal, Poland had a better goal difference than Mexico (0 vs -1) and hence they have headed into the Round of 16 with Argentina.

Round of 16 Qualifiers so far: Netherlands, Senegal, England, USA, Argentina, Poland, France, Australia, Brazil, Portugal.