World Cup Round-Up (Day 11) – Australia Advance Before Poland Pip Mexico

01/12/22 792

Day 11 of the 2022 World Cup saw Group C and Group D draw to a close. There was drama right to the end in both groups, with Poland progressing from Group C thanks to their superior goal difference over Mexico.

Over in Group D, France came out on top – despite suffering a shock defeat to Tunisia. However, the Tunisians failed to qualify for the knockout phase following Australia’s win against Denmark. Let’s relive all the action from Day 11.

Tunisia Beat France But Fail to Reach Last 16

France manager Didier Deschamps fielded a much changed starting XI against Tunisia, resting the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele. Consequently, the African side were able to create plenty of chances.

Wahbi Khazri gave Tunisia the lead just before the hour mark, before substitute Griezmann had a stoppage-time goal disallowed. Despite winning on the day, the Tunisians finished third in Group D.

Leckie Sends Socceroos Into Knockout Phase

Australia knew a positive result against Denmark would see them reach the last 16. On the flip side, the Danes needed to win to stand any chance of progressing. However, the European side failed to lay a glove on the Aussies.

Mathew Leckie scored the only goal of the game on 60 minutes, running at opposition defenders before producing a neat finish into the corner of the net. As a result, the Socceroos finished level with France on six points.

Argentina Dominate Lacklustre Poland

Argentina racked up a whopping 23 shots and 74% possession against a tired-looking Poland outfit at Stadium 974. Meanwhile, the Poles failed to register a single attempt on the Argentines’ goal.

Second-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alverez sealed the deal for the South Americans, who ended up finishing two points clear at the top of Group C. Funnily enough, Poland finished second.

Mexico Fail to Progress Despite Beating Saudi Arabia

Mexico gave absolutely everything against Saudi Arabia at Lusail Stadium, but it wasn’t meant to be. Although Henry Martin and Luis Chavez scored for the Mexicans, they failed to find a pivotal third goal.

In the 95th minute, Salem Aldawsari pulled a goal back for the Saudis – ending any hope of a Mexican revival. Despite chalking up 26 shots, Mexico finished third in Group C and missed out on the last 16 on goal difference.