The FIFA World Cup 2022 Matchday 3 saw four more teams make the last 16 as Lionel Messi’s Argentina made it through by beating Poland 2-0. Despite the defeat, Poland ended their 36-year wait to make the knockout stage as Mexico could not deliver a big win and were dumped out on Goal Difference (GD). The day also saw Australia make the last 16 at Denmark’s expense while France suffered a shock defeat to Tunisia in their dead-rubber clash.
Argentina safely through despite Messi’s penalty miss
Lionel Messi missed a penalty but Argentina still clinched top spot in Group C with a 2-0 win over Poland, who squeezed into the last 16 on goal difference ahead of Mexico on a night of high drama.
Argentina went into the game a point behind Poland knowing a second-placed finish would pit them against France in the last 16, but goals from Alexis Mac Allister (46) and Julian Alvarez (67) after Wojciech Szczesny had saved a contentious Messi penalty secured a deserved win which means they will face Australia instead.
Mexico suffer Goal Difference heartbreak
Mexico dramatically missed out on the World Cup knockout phase despite a spirited 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia, as Poland progressed as Group C runners-up by virtue of a superior goal difference.
In a thrilling finale to Group C at the Lusail Stadium, Henry Martin's opener (47) and Luis Chavez's spectacular free-kick (52), combined with Argentina's 2-0 victory over Poland, left Mexico with three stoppage-time minutes to find the third goal needed to avoid exiting the group due to an inferior fair play points total.
Australia end 16-year KO drought
Australia dumped Denmark out of the World Cup after Mathew Leckie's strike earned a 1-0 victory and qualification to the last 16 for the first time since 2006. Australia knew a draw would see them join Group D winners France in the knockout stages, provided Tunisia did not beat France, while Denmark had to win to have any chance of progressing.
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Griezmann late goal ruled out as Tunisia stun World Champions
Tunisia beat Group D winners France 1-0 but it wasn't enough to qualify in a dramatic finale that saw Antoine Griezmann's goal ruled out by a late VAR review. Wahbi Khazri scored the decisive goal on 58 minutes with a fantastic solo run as Tunisia took full advantage of Didier Deschamps making nine changes to his France side and resting Kylian Mbappe.
