Doha, Dec. 1 -- Argentina made sure of their place in the round of 16 with a 2-0 victory over Poland in the Group-C game here at Stadium 974.

With their victory, Lionel Scaloni's team leapfrogged Poland into first place in Group C. They will next face Australia in the round of 16, while Poland must take on world champions France.

For Poland, this is the first time they have made it to the knockout rounds since 1986 following a trio of first-round exits (2002, 2006, 2018).

On a night when Lionel Messi had a penalty saved superbly by Wojciech Szczezny, it was one of the squad's less celebrated names, Alexis McAllister, who broke the deadlock with his first international goal just after half-time.

Julian Alvarez ended any doubt for a ram...