TheCable

Day seven of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar saw Robert Lewandowski ending his wait for a first goal in the tournament as Poland beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 on Saturday.

The 34-year-old Barcelona forward assisted Piotr Zielinski for the first goal. He then grabbed the second himself to move Czeslaw Michniewicz’s boys top of Group C.

While France were the first nation to qualify for the knockout rounds of this year’s Mundial, Lionel Messi got his second goal in the tournament for Argentina in their 2-0 win over Mexico.

Here are four major talking points from Day 7.

The holders are the first team in the last 16

Doubts were raised on the strength of the French team following the depletion of the squad. Star players like Paul Pogba, N’golo Kante, Karim Benzema, and Christopher Nkunku were unavailable for the tournament due to injuries.

The defending champions, however, stepped up with two classy performances so far in the competition, becoming the first team to advance to the second round.

France are also the fifth defending champions to win their first two games in the history of the World Cup.

Kylian Mbappe is on another level

If France are to win the competition, they will need to keep Mbappe fit. The PSG star player registered a brace for France in their 2-1 win over Denmark.

Andreas Christensen levelled the game seven minutes after Mbappe’s opener, but the clinical touch of the French star was on display again as he got the winner late in the match.

Lewy gets first World Cup goal

Lewandowski came under intense criticism for missing a spot-kick against Mexico in Poland’s first group encounter. The Barcelona forward, who is known for his goal-scoring exploits was, however, impressive for Poland in their 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia.

Messi inspires Argentina to crucial victory over Mexico

Argentina’s World Cup bid was kept alive on Saturday, many thanks to Messi.

Bruised by Saudi Arabia in their opening Group G game, Argentina were on the brink of leaving the tournament in the group stage, knowing another loss would spell the end of their chances.

But in the thrilling and tight encounter against Mexico, Messi scored the breakthrough goal before Enzo Fernandez got the second to put Argentina back into last-16 contention with victory at the Lusail Stadium.

Messi’s goal meant he and the late Diego Maradona are tied on eight goals and 21 appearances at the World Cup for Argentina.