Poland in tears of joy after reaching knockouts

Two games, two victories and a place in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup™ knockout rounds at the first time of asking. Poland have had the perfect start to their debut campaign at the global showpiece.

After rolling past Argentina 3-0 — a victory that now looks all the more impressive following the South Americans' 8-0 drubbing of Benin in their second matchday — the hosts showed real character to recover from an early own goal to defeat Mexico 2-1 in Katowice and punch their ticket to the Round of 16.

The celebrations after captain Zuzanna Witek converted the winning penalty, and then again at the final whistle, tell their own story about just how much this tournament means to Poland's players and their fans, who were once again in full voice at Arena Katowice.

"Some players had tears of joy, myself included. These are historic moments that we are creating, and we are part of this history," Poland coach Marcin Kasprowicz told FIFA. "This is a fantastic time for us... we are celebrating our qualification for the Round of 16."

Poland needed cool heads to prevail after Martyna Bartczak scored an own goal after just five minutes. They kept their nerve and levelled the scores four minutes later through Oliwia Zwiazek, who netted her second goal of the tournament.

"This gives me more confidence and helps me find my rhythm. I know I can score goals, and I hope to show my best side and prove it with another goal," Zwiazek told FIFA.

"For sure, our determination is there, and we repeat it all the time: whatever happens on the pitch, we have our own style, which we want to show. We kept a cool head and delivered what we are capable of.

"I think there is more and more excitement about the team in Poland, so there is a real sense of euphoria and joy."

When Poland were awarded a penalty with 14 minutes remaining, there was no doubt who would step up to take the spot kick. Witek was mobbed by her team-mates, including those on the sidelines, after she converted her penalty with aplomb. The gravity of the moment was clear to all concerned.

"I think you could see it when I celebrated my goal. So many emotions. We are already in first place in the group, and no one can take that away from us," she told FIFA. "This is an unforgettable moment. I have been dreaming of scoring at the World Cup, and I hope this won’t be my last goal.

"Our confidence has been high from the very beginning. We believe in ourselves, in the team and in the coaching staff. I am confident that if we continue to work the same way, both on and off the pitch, we can go as far as possible."

Now Poland are looking to keep their winning run going against Benin in their final group stage match to keep the momentum going.

"We will play for as long as we can and go as far as we can," Kasprowicz declared.

"I think if we keep a cool head, and I am confident that we can finish the group stage with nine points," Witek added.