Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski — all three forwards scored essential targets on Day 7 of FIFA World Cup. AP
Argentina’s FIFA World Cup hopes are alive because of a magical strike from Lionel Messi in a 2-0 win over Mexico on Saturday as Kylian Mbappe’s double fired France into the final 16. Additionally, Poland’s Robert Lewandowski broke his World Cup objective duck.
Rocked by a shocking upset defeat in opposition to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, Argentina confronted Mexico realizing {that a} defeat would ship them crashing out of the match.
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However Messi breathed contemporary life into Argentina’s marketing campaign along with his eighth World Cup objective 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 dwelling a low shot on 64 minutes to place Argentina en path to victory.
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 in the present day we needed to win, that one other World Cup was beginning for us, and we knew find out how to do it,” Messi mentioned.
Mbappe double
Elsewhere on Saturday, France turned the primary crew 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 crew 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 last recreation in opposition to Tunisia on Wednesday.
“For us, it’s preferrred, we’ve six factors so we’re positive to qualify after two matches,” France coach Didier Deschamps mentioned.
“We’ll recognize that earlier than the subsequent match in 4 days. It brings tranquility and the reassurance 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.
Nonetheless 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 verify for the Saudis following their gorgeous win over Argentina.
“The significance of the objective and the way I scored it made all my desires 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 feel the older I get the extra emotional I get,” Lewandowski mentioned. “I’m conscious it could 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’s most essential, however getting each is nice.”
Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was the hero for Poland, nevertheless, producing a shocking double save within the first half.
He first denied Salem Al-Dawsari from the penalty spot, then made a shocking 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 objective of a decent recreation 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 recreation to return 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 exceptional 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 crew’s “first last of this World Cup.”
“I’m satisfied of our concepts,” Flick mentioned. “We are going to method the sport with braveness and perception in our high quality.”
With AFP inputs
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