2022 World Cup Group C: Argentina Completes Mission, Mexico Failed To Escape From The Hole

Julian Alvarez, Argentina's second goal scorer against Poland (Twitter @fifaworldcup)

JAKARTA - The last match in Group C of the 2022 World Cup between Poland vs Argentina was won by Albiceleste 2-0. In another match, Mexico beat Saudi Arabia 2-1. With this result, Argentina and Poland qualified for the last 16.

Argentina fielded four attacking-oriented players including the sole spearhead of Julian Alvarez in the final Group C match against Poland.

Behind Alvares, Alexis Mac Allister trio, Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria completed Argentina's attack team in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Argentina must win because its position to qualify for the last 16 is threatened by both Saudi Arabia and Mexico who also compete at the same time.

Poland had enough to get a draw to enter the last 16, even though the win was definitely their main target from this match.

Poland put up a formation that ensures a balance in all lines in a 4-4-2 pattern where the duet of Karol Swiderski and Robert Lewandowski was at the end of the attack.

Two superior tall strikers in the top balls made Argentina not install short-posted defender Leandro Martinez for a defender in its first eleven players.

With this formation, Albiceleste dominated and bombarded the Polish goal. Unfortunately, the opportunity that Messi got through the penalty spot in the 39th minute failed to be put to good use by La Pulga. Szczesny saved his shot.

Argentina finally completed a mission to qualify for the last 16 through Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez's goals in the 46 and 67 minutes.

Argentina turn on the style to finish top of Group C!@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 30, 2022

Argentina turn on the style to finish top of Group C!@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 30, 2022

Line-up

Poland (4-4-2): Wojciech Szczesny; live Cash, Kamil Glik, Jakub Kiwior, Bartosz Bereszynski; Piotr Zielinski, Krystian Bielik, Grzegorz Krychowiak, Przemyslaw Frankowski; Karol Swiderski, Robert Lewandowski.

Argentina (4-2-3-1): Emiliano Martinez; Marcos Acuna, Nicolas Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Nahuel Molina; Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul; Alexis Mac Allister, Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria; Julian Alvarez.

Saudi Arabia put up a solid formation at the back after being beaten twice by Poland in the second match, by installing three centre-backs in a 3-4-3 playing pattern, against Mexico.

However, Saudi Arabia has also put up three players up front for chasing a win that is an absolute requirement to reach the last 16 and potentially become group winners if Poland versus Argentina ends in a draw.

Mexico what else. Winning is a must in order to qualify for the last 16, but must be done by scoring at least four goals as a precaution if Argentina plays a draw with Poland.

Unfortunately, Mexico was only able to win 2-1 over Saudi Arabia through Henry Martin (47) and Luiz Chavez (51) so they failed to escape the needle.

Line-up

Saudi Arabia (3-4-3): Mohamed Al-Owais; Abdulelah Al-Amri, Ali Al-Bulaihi, Hassan Tambakti; Sultan Al-Ghanam, Mohamed Kanno, Ali Al-Hassan, Saud Abdulhamid; Firas Al-Buraikan, Saleh Al-Shehri, Salem Al-Dawsari.

Mexico (4-2-3-1):Guillermo Gallardo; Jesus Gallardo, wary Moreno, Cesar Montes, Jorge Sanchez; Luis Chavez, Edson Alvarez; Alexis Vega, Orbelin Pineda, Hirving Lozano; Henry Martin.

In the round of 16, Argentina will face Australia, while Poland will serve France.

Mexico win but it is not quite enough! @adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 30, 2022

Final standings Group C 2022 World Cup:

1. Argentina: 62. Poland: 43. Mexico: 44. Saudi Arabia: 1