Lionel Messi reignited Argentina’s World Cup problem with an outstanding aim in a 2-0 win over Mexico on Saturday as Kylian Mbappe’s double fired France into the final 16.
Rocked by a surprising upset defeat in opposition to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, Argentina confronted Mexico realizing {that a} defeat would ship them crashing out of the match.
But Messi breathed contemporary life into Argentina’s marketing campaign together with his eighth World Cup aim in his fifth look within the finals.
The 35-year-old maestro, determined to crown his glittering profession by lifting soccer’s biggest prize, rifled house a low shot on 64 minutes to place Argentina en path to victory.
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Rising star Enzo Fernandez made the sport protected with a magical curling strike within the 87th minute, sparking wild celebrations amongst Argentina followers on the glittering Lusail Stadium.
An Argentinian victory on Wednesday in opposition to Poland — who have been 2-0 winners over Saudi Arabia earlier Saturday — will carry the South American champions into the knockout rounds from Group C.
“We knew that today we had to win, that another World Cup was starting for us, and we knew how to do it,”
Messi mentioned.
Mbappe double
Elsewhere on Saturday, France grew to become the primary workforce to achieve the final 16 after two targets from star striker Mbappe secured a 2-1 victory over Denmark.
Mbappe, one of many heroes of France’s march to the 2018 World Cup title, ensured Les Bleus could be the primary workforce into the knockout rounds after popping up with an 86th-minute winner to interrupt Danish hearts at Stadium 974 in Doha.
The win all however ensures France will enter the final 16 as winners of Group D heading into their ultimate sport in opposition to Tunisia on Wednesday.
“For us, it’s ideal, we have six points so we’re sure to qualify after two matches,”
France coach Didier Deschamps mentioned.
“We’ll appreciate that before the next match in four days. It brings tranquility and the assurance that we qualify.”
Mbappe had fired France into the lead on 61 minutes after Denmark’s defence lastly buckled following wave after wave of French strain.
However Andreas Christensen jolted France with a 68th minute equaliser earlier than Mbappe’s late present sealed all three factors.
Earlier Saturday, Poland star Robert Lewandowski lastly broke his World Cup scoring duck in a scientific win over Saudi Arabia.
It was a World Cup actuality examine for the Saudis following their beautiful win over Argentina.
“The importance of the goal and how I scored it made all my dreams from childhood come true,”
mentioned Lewandowski, who had missed a penalty in Poland’s opening 0-0 draw with Mexico on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old was overcome with emotion having capitalised on a blunder by midfielder Abdulelah Al-Malki.
‘Emotional’ Lewandowski
“I think the older I get the more emotional I get,” Lewandowski mentioned. “I’m conscious it may be my final World Cup and I needed to have the ability to say that I’ve performed and scored at World Cups.
“The result is most important, but getting both is great.”
Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was the hero for Poland, nonetheless, producing a surprising double save within the first half.
He first denied Salem Al-Dawsari from the penalty spot, then made a surprising cease to maintain out the rebound.
In different video games on Saturday, Australia defeated Tunisia 1-0, recovering from a chastening opening defeat in opposition to champions France to maintain their hopes alive.
Striker Mitch Duke scored the one aim of a decent sport with a intelligent header within the first half and Australia desperately held on to silence Tunisia’s vociferous followers.
The Socceroos sit second in Group D with three factors from two video games, with a sport to come back in opposition to Denmark.
With Messi throwing Argentina a lifeline on Saturday, all eyes on Sunday will now be on Germany in a must-win battle with Spain in Group E.
Germany, crushed 2-1 by Japan in a outstanding opening upset, could be eradicated in the event that they lose to the 2010 champions and Japan keep away from defeat to Costa Rica.
Germany coach Hansi Flick described the sport as his workforce’s “first final of this World Cup.”
“I am convinced of our ideas,” Flick mentioned. “We will approach the game with courage and belief in our quality.”
© Agence France-Presse
