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Groups A and B were decided in exciting fashion at the World Cup on Tuesday. Senegal defeated Ecuador to join the Netherlands as the top two teams in Group A. Meanwhile, the U.S. men’s national team held on to a 1-0 win over Iran to return to the Round of 16, joining England.
On Wednesday, Mexico fights to make an eighth consecutive knockout stage and battled to a scoreless first half. Argentina and Lionel Messi are also back in action and will need to score against Poland’s well-organized defense, but they haven’t done so after the first 45 minutes of play.
WORLD CUP 2022: Schedule, scores and latest news
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Luis Chávez scores first World Cup goal, furthers Mexico’s lead
The momentum is all Mexico’s as Luis Chávez scored a goal in the 52nd minute off a free kick. The goal, which is Chávez’s first ever World Cup score, comes just minutes after El Tri got on the board with a goal from Henry Martín. Mexico leads Saudi Arabia 2-0.
Mexico, Argentina strike
After 11 shots in the first half, Mexico finally struck in the 47th minute. Henry Martín knocked in a short shot after a corner kick.
For Argentina, Alexis Mac Allister scored the first goal of the match against Poland. He took a cross kick from Nahuel Molina and kicked it straight into the net.
Half: Mexico 0, Saudi Arabia 0
Despite 11 shots and three shots on goal, including two misses from Orbelin Pineda, Mexico has yet to score in what is essentially an elimination game. Saudi Arabia needs the win if it wants to advance to the Round of 16 as well.
Half: Argentina 0, Poland 0
Lionel Messi missed a penalty kick in the 39th minute in what has been a quiet game between an established legend and Robert Lewandowski, who scored his first World Cup goal earlier in the tournament.
Messi misses penalty shot
Lionel Messi was awarded a penalty kick in the 39th minute. His shot, directed to the right of the net, was saved by Poland’s goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny’s fingertips. The score is 0-0.
Mexico misses two goal opportunities
In the 25th minute, Orbelin Pineda had a chance to score as he kicked the ball from in front of the goal, but goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais caught it.
Pineda had another shot two minutes later when he took a pass from Hirving Lozano and attempted a header that didn’t go in.
Saudi Arabia misses penalty kick
In the 13th minute, Saudi Arabia was awarded a penalty kick and Mohammed Kanno missed, booting the ball just over the net. The score is 0-0.
Messi passes Maradona’s record
With his 22nd World Cup appearance, Lionel Messi passes Diego Maradona for most caps in the tournament by an Argentinian player. Messi has also tied the Argentinian legend with eight World Cup goals when he scored against Mexico on Saturday.
Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia lineups
Saudi Arabia captain Salem Al-Dawsari takes his squad against another traditional powerhouse in Guillermo Ochoa and Mexico. Group B is wide open for the Round of 16.
Scenes from Argentina vs. Poland
DOHA, QATAR — Argentina travels as well as any team at the World Cup, and the stands at 974 Stadium were filled with fans in the iconic blue-and-white striped jerseys.
A roar erupted when Lionel Messi took the field for pre-game warmups, and the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has said this will “surely” be his last World Cup, responded by applauding the fans.
— Nancy Armour
Argentina vs. Poland lineups
Lionel Messi’s path to the knockout round is simple. Win and he’s in. But Argentina will have to find the back of the net against Poland, who have yet to concede a goal.
How can Mexico advance in the World Cup?
So, you’re saying there’s a chance?
Even without a goal through two games at the World Cup, Mexico can still advance to the knockout rounds. But, they’ll need some help from Argentina or Poland in their match.
USMNT keeping bags unpacked
DOHA, Qatar — When the U.S. men arrived at the World Cup, coach Gregg Berhalter told them to unpack their suitcases, put their clothes in the dresser and their books on the nightstand.
They were, he said, going to be here for the duration.
So while those new to the USMNT might see anything from here on out as a bonus, they don’t. The Netherlands are up next, and the U.S. men are coming to play.
“It’s a great opportunity. But it’s not something we’re going into it thinking it’s an honor,” Berhalter said after the Americans advanced to the round of 16 with a 1-0 win over Iran on Tuesday night.
“We deserve to be in the position we’re in, and we deserve to keep going.”
— Nancy Armour
FINAL: Tunisia eliminated despite win
A win for pride, Tunisia fought to the last minute, but its fate wasn’t in its hands. Australia earned the second-place nod with a win over Denmark and celebrated accordingly.
Group D final standings
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France (advance): 6 pts, 3 GD
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Australia (advance): 6 pts, -1 GD
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Tunisia: 4 pts, 0 GD
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Denmark: 1 pt, -2 GD
Griezmann goal disallowed
In the dying moments of the game Griezmann redirected a cross into the net, but after a confusing VAR, the goal was disallowed. Despite the win, Tunisia goes home.
FINAL: Australia defeats Denmark, advances to Round of 16
With the win and Tunisia’s draw with France, Australia secures a place in the Round of 16 for the second time in the nation’s history.
France super subs coming in
Deschamps is trying to balance rest with form. His team is already moving on to the Round of 16. But since going down a goal to Tunisia, the French boss has brought on William Saliba, Adrien Rabiot, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe.
GOAL! Australia take the lead vs. Denmark
Elsewhere in Group D, Australia is not bowing out. Australia started the counter attack in their half of the field, with a long pass from Riley McGree to Mathew Leckie. Taking on two Denmark defenders, Leckie found the back of the net.
GOAL! Khazri gives Tunisia the lead
France’s defense collapsed on Wahbi Khazri as the striker made his way to goal. He found the opening score and then was quickly subbed off for Issam Jebali. The celebration that followed showed just what it means.
Kingsley Coman’s audition for France
As one of nine changes coach Didier Deschamps made going into the game against Tunisia, Kingsley Coman has a 93.8% passing accuracy with 16 passes and 31 touches against Tunisia.
HALFTIME: World Cup Group D matches scoreless
As things currently stand, France will win Group D. But Tunisia has been knocking on the door, including a 34th minute chance from Wahbi Khazri, saved by back-up keeper Steve Mandanda.
Australia support back home
Even at 2am in Australia, fans are up early to see if their team can advance to its second Round of 16 appearance.
Tunisia goal disallowed
Tunisia, with pressure early, caught offside on a set piece chance against France. It was Nader Ghandri who almost gave the lead to his nation.
Australia vs. Denmark starting lineups
Elsewhere in Group D, Denmark continues to rotate its striker. While Christian Eriksen stands consistent in midfield, Martin Braithwaite takes his place to lead the Denmark attack as the third striker in three games. The Danish team faces a must-win situation.
Tunisia vs. France starting lineups
Plenty of changes for France, who broke the streak of defending champions not making it out of the group with its win against Denmark on Saturday.
USMNT advances to World Cup knockout rounds
Of course it was going to be Christian Pulisic.
He’s the wunderkind of this uber-talented young generation of U.S. men, “Captain America,” accomplishing things no American has before, for both club and country. If the USMNT is to make a run at this World Cup, and make people rethink their view of American soccer, it’s going to require something special from Pulisic.
“I don’t see it as a burden at all. I’m very excited for the moment,” he said before the tournament began. “I’m going to do the best I can in representing this country, and hope I make everyone back home proud.”
Oh, I’d say he’s got that covered.
A hard collision with Iran’s goalkeeper sent Pulisic to the hospital with an abdominal injury Tuesday night, but not before his goal in the 38th minute gave the USMNT what it needed to beat Iran 1-0 and advance to the knockout rounds.
Back in the World Cup for the first time since 2014, the USMNT will be one of the last 16 teams standing.
— Nancy Armour
Saudi Arabia vs. Mexico — 2 p.m.
Is Mexico out of the World Cup? Not yet. But El Tri must win (and get some help) in order to make an eighth consecutive Round of 16. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia will be looking to prove its opening match wasn’t a fluke.
Time: Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. ET
Stadium: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
How to watch: FS1 and Telemundo or stream on fuboTV and Peacock (Spanish)
Poland vs. Argentina — 2 p.m.
Argentina avoided disaster against Mexico and kept its, and Lionel Messi’s, World Cup dreams alive, while prolific Polish striker Robert Lewandowski finally got his World Cup goal. The best way for both teams to advance is to win in a wide open Group C.
Messi scored twice in two World Cup games this tournament and will likely have to do it again to get to the Round of 16 against Poland who has kept a clean sheet through two games this competition.
Time: Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. ET
Stadium: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
How to watch: FS1 and Telemundo or stream on fuboTV and Peacock (Spanish)
Australia vs. Denmark — 10 a.m.
Australia’s win over Tunisia has them in favorable position to qualify for its second group stage appearance. The last time these two teams met in the World Cup, they drew 1-1. Christian Eriksen scored the first goal in that game.
Denmark will have to overcome its longest winless run in the World Cup, currently at five games.
Time: Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 10 a.m. ET
Stadium: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
How to watch: FS1 and Telemundo or stream on fuboTV and Peacock (Spanish)
Tunisia vs. France — 10 a.m.
Defending champion France is the only team to have already qualified from Group D. So does that mean stars like Kylian Mbappe will be saved for the next round? After all, France has already lost a handful of starters this year.
In the first competitive match between the two teams, Tunisia looks to take advantage of a French team whose eyes are already on the next round.
Time: Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 10 a.m. ET
Stadium: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
How to watch: FS1 and Telemundo or stream on fuboTV and Peacock (Spanish)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: World Cup: Messi, Argentina face final chance to qualify for knockout
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