Poland vs Argentina
After losing their opening match, Argentina simply needs to win their two remaining group games, which is a do-or-die mission and has to be achieved. Following that shocking defeat at the hands of Saudi Arabia, la Albiceleste was under serious pressure against Mexico. In a game of few chances, gorgeous second-half strikes from Lionel Messi, who else, and then Enzo Fernández snatched the points. So now, if Lionel Scaloni’s team wins here, they’ll almost certainly win the group, which would represent some turnaround. A draw would also take the Copa América champions through unless Saudi Arabia a victorious or Mexico win by 3+ goals simultaneously; they don’t want to run that risk! Poland meanwhile needs a result here to reach the round of 16 for the first time since 1986. At the weekend, despite having just three shots on target, Czesław Michniewicz’s team edged out Saudi Arabia 2-0. Piotr Zieliński broke the deadlock, but they needed Wojciech Szczęsny to spectacularly save a penalty, as well as the subsequent rebound. Then, late on, Robert Lewandowski sealed the points with his first-ever World Cup goal, punishing some charitable defending. So, Poland is yet to concede a goal at this tournament and, if that remains true, they’ll be through. If the Eagles are beaten, they’ll still advance if the other game is a draw, or Mexico only wins narrowly. So, will both teams be delighted to come full-time at Stadium 974?
Saudi Arabia vs Mexico
Mexico hasn’t been eliminated in the World Cup group stages since 1978, but that statistic might be about to change. El Tri is yet to score and has just one point on the board, drawing 0-0 with Poland before Saturday night’s 2-0 reverse against Argentina. Across the two games, Mexico’s xG has been a measly 0.91, emphasizing that they’ve had pretty much no clear-cut chances in over three hours of play. Tata Martino was already an unpopular Head Coach and, if they are eliminated after this one, expect a communicado official on Thursday morning. Saudi Arabia meantime, against all odds, beat Argentina in their first game, before coming crashing back down to earth. On Saturday, the Green Falcons were beaten 2-0 by Poland, despite creating all the chances, notably Salem Al-Dawsari seeing a penalty saved. This has seen Hervé Renard’s team slip down to third, needing points to take Saudi Arabia out of a group for the first time since 1994. They will qualify with a victory, although a draw might be enough, depending on the other result; it could get complicated! For Mexico, they simply must win, although it is possible that el Tri are victorious and still don’t get through. Will either side or possibly neither, be celebrating at Lusail Iconic Stadium?
The group C matches will all take place on Wednesday 20:00 WAT at the Qatar. Who do you think qualifies from the group?
We predict a 2-0 match in favour of Argentina while a 1-1 match for Mexico while leaves both teams in a stalemate.
