QATAR: Argentina beat Mexico 2-0 in a Group C match to advance to the next round, as Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez scored one goal each.
Argentina couldn’t afford a loss after losing to Saudi Arabia in their opening match. Before Messi’s brilliant play at the Lusail Stadium, Mexico had frustrated them throughout the game.
Three minutes remaining in regulation time, and Fernandez, a second-half substitute, scored to conclude the game.
A victory would be sufficient to ensure Argentina’s advancement to the knockout stage. However, a draw would also be adequate depending on the outcome of the other game still to be played.
Mexico has only one point from its first two games after drawing 0-0 with Poland in their opener. For “El Tri” to have a chance of placing in the top two, they must defeat Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
In the previous match (France vs. Denmark), Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France defeated Denmark 2-1 on Saturday to advance into the round of 16.
The hosts are the first team in Qatar to go to the knockout round, and the youthful striker emerged as the tournament’s hero by scoring a late second-half goal to advance France.
Upcoming Matches Today (IST)
Japan Vs. Costa Rica at 3:30 pm (Group E)
Belgium Vs. Morocco at 6:30 pm (Group F)
Croatia Vs. Canada at 9:30 pm (Group F)
Points Table
Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2022: Niclas Fullkrug Keeps Germany’s Hopes Alive
