Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny saved a Lionel Messi penalty as Argentina dominated the first 45 minutes of their World Cup Group C clash at Stadium 974 but have nothing to show for it with the halftime score 0-0.
The Paris Saint-Germain star had been running the show against Poland in their World Cup clash when he was awarded a rather fortuitous spot-kick following a foul from the Juventus goalkeeper.
Szczesny was adjudged to have fouled Messi in the penalty area after the 35-year-old headed wide of the target.
While appeals were few and far between, the decision went to VAR who judged in Argentina’s favor.
Speaking on talkSPORT, commentator Stuart Pearce said:
“I think it’s a really soft decision, referees never give this.
“I’ve lost count of the amount of times goalkeepers have come to collect the ball and nothing’s been given. There’s minimal contact there.”
Hugh Woozencroft added: “It’s one of the worst VAR decisions I’ve ever seen at this level.
“Szczesny’s got every right to challenge for the ball, the referee’s watched it about seven or eight times in super-slow motion.
Stuart Pearce on talkSPORT
With Mexico and Saudi Arabia also goalless in the other game in the group, as things stand Poland will top the pool with five points and meet Australia in the last 16, while Argentina will finish second and take on champions France in the next round.
