Argentina beat Poland 2-0 to top Group C and set up a last-16 clash against Australia, the mood now a world away from that opening World Cup defeat to Saudi Arabia.
Lionel Messi saw his first-half penalty saved by Wojciech Szczesny, but Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez struck after the break as Argentina got the job done.
Poland also edged through, sitting off completely in the final 20 minutes as they feared being knocked out on yellow cards as a tie-breaker.
Here’s how Lionel Scaloni’s side rated at Stadium 974…
Emi Martinez 6
One of the quietest nights of his life.
Nahuel Molina 7
Clever pull-back made the opener and never troubled defensively.
Cristian Romero 6
Recalled a game after being dropped but again looked shy of his best as he struggled to deal with Lewandowski’s physicality.
Nicolas Otamendi 7
Good in possession and bailed his partner out on the cover a couple of times.
Marcos Acuna 7
Really positive display, posed a both a shooting and crossing threat from the left and spent much of the game in Poland’s final third. Booked.
Enzo Fernandez 8
Finally brought into the starting XI after two fine cameos. Read the game well to prevent Poland relieving pressure, then made Alvarez’s goal.
Rodrigo De Paul 6
Looked more comfortable further forward than part of double-pivot base.
Alexis Mac Allister 8
Dinked a delightful ball in behind for Alvarez chance, then took his with a slightly scuffed effort into the corner.
Angel Di Maria 7
Almost caught Szczesny out with terrific effort direct from corner and flung himself about for the cause before being replaced on the hour.
Lionel Messi 7
Incredibly fortunate to win penalty, then saw it brilliantly saved. Redoubled efforts after miss, though, and carved Poland open on several occasions after half-time.
Julian Alvarez 8
Brought real energy to forward line and saw effort from tight angle saved before break. Took his goal superbly.
Substitutes
Leandro Paredes (Di Maria 59’) 6
Nicolas Tagliafico (Acuna 59’) 6
Came on and immediately created good chance for Mac Allister second.
German Pezzella (Fernandez 79’) N/A
Lautaro Martinez (Alvarez 79’) N/A
Thiago Almada (Mac Allister 84’) N/A
Unused: Armani, Rulli, Foyth, Montiel, Lisandro Martinez, Palacios, Correa, Gomez, Rodriguez, Dybala. (edited)
