Mac Allister delighted to help Argentina get back on track

Alexis Mac Allister is delighted to have played his part in helping Argentina get their World Cup campaign back on track.

The Albion midfielder, 23, scored his first goal for his country on Wednesday in the 2-0 win over Poland that sealed top spot in Group C. It came 24 hours after teammate Moises Caicedo became the first Albion player to score in the World Cup finals in their 2-1 defeat to Senegal.

Argentina had been stunned by a 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening match. Mac Allister was brought into the team to play on the left-hand side of midfield in last Saturday's game against Mexico and helped them to a 2-0 win.

Referring to defeat to the Saudis, Mac Allister said, “That was a blow that made us all realise that all matches are difficult [in the World Cup].

“We locked ourselves in as a group and gained confidence to turn the situation around, because we have the players and quality to do that.”

After a goalless first-half against the Poles when Lionel Messi missed a penalty, Mac Allister settled the nerves with a shot that went in off the post a minute into the second half. It wasn’t the cleanest of strikes, but Mac Allister didn’t care as he celebrated with his teammates in the corner of the pitch. “Let’s say yes, I wanted to put it there,” he smiled.

“It brought me great happiness, not only for me but for the group. In the first half we dominated, we found a good level, were patient and calm but unfortunately we did not get the goal.

“Later, the second goal came which was important for our peace of mind. Again, I think we played well.”

Messi was awarded the man of the match award but immediately gave it to Mac Allister, who is now preparing for Saturday’s round of 16 tie against Australia. It was a nice moment for him and his family, who are in Qatar to support him including his dad Carlos, who helped Argentina qualify for the 1994 tournament but wasn’t selected for the finals.