France, Argentina both add 3 points, France locks in for last 16

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Published: 27 Nov. 2022, 15:38

France, Argentina both add 3 points, France locks in for last 16

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the World Cup group C match between Argentina and Mexico, at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, on Saturday. [EPA/YONHAP]

France's Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring the winning goal against Denmark during a World Cup group D soccer match at the Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday. [AFP/YONHAP]

With reigning champions France and world No. 3 Argentina both adding three points on Saturday, France is now securely in the last 16 while Argentina needs one more win to secure their seat.

With their 2-1 win over Denmark, reigning champions France became the first country to solidify their spot in the knockout stage with a Kylian Mbappe brace.

The first match of the seventh day of the Qatar World Cup was France versus Denmark. While France did get a close shot in the 21st minute when header Adrien Rabiot forced a diving save from Denmark keeper Kasper Schmeichel. Both were goalless at the end of the first half of Saturday's match.

Then Mbappe struck 17 minutes into the second half, opening the scoring with a brilliant one-two with Theo Hernandez of France down left.

Denmark, having beaten France twice already this year, seemed to be on course for a draw after Andreas Christensen scored from a corner. Avoiding the French defender's boot, Christensen headed home the equalizer past Hugo Lloris.

However, Mbappe was unstoppable, putting France back in front with a second goal in the 86th minute. Converting on a cross from Antoine Griezmann, he sent the ball past the goalkeeper with his thigh and into the back of the net. While it was maybe a bundled finish, that was still what won Le Blues the match and also their seat in the knockout stage.

France's Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring his side's opening goal against Denmark during a World Cup group D soccer match at the Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday. [AP/YONHAP]

With the win over Denmark, the reigning champions have six points and are at the top of Group D, becoming the first team to secure their place in the round of 16.

While the last four World Cup reigning champions from Europe have all failed to progress past the group stage in the former World Cup, France has now broken that curse and is looking to go even further and defend their title.

Argentina also added three points to the table after beating Mexico 2-0.

Footballing legend Lionel Messi was able to score his first goal at the 2022 World Cup on Saturday, opening the scoring in the 64th minute.

With the goal, Messi now ties with Diego Maradona's Argentina record of eight goals at the World Cup.

Then with a second goal from Enzo Fernandez in the 87th minute, Argentina was able to redemption themselves with a 2-0 victory over Mexico after having dropped their first match against lower-ranked Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

While Argentina's seat in the knockout stage is not yet fixed, it is now down to the last match against Poland, as they will advance to the last 16 if they are able to beat Poland in their final group game.

France will face Australia in their last group stage match at 10 p.m. Tuesday. They will be advancing to the knockout round regardless of the results of the match. Argentina will face Poland for their last group stage match on Wednesday 10 p.m.

BY YUN SO-HYANG [yun.sohyang@joongang.co.kr]

korea joongAng daily

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France, Argentina both add 3 points, France locks in for last 16

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