After Argentina’s shocking loss to Saudi Arabia, Lionel Messi’s every match in the FIFA World Cup 2022 has the potential to be his last game in the world cups. The importance of this match is critical for each of these teams in Group C, which is still open for any team to qualify for the knockout stage. Only a win will ensure they go to the next round.
Overview
Group C, despite being made up of pre-tournament favorites in Argentina, is yet to be settled. Not only Poland and Argentina, even Saudi Arabia and Mexico (who have only one point at the moment) can qualify for the next round. While a win in this match would seal either Poland or Argentina a spot for the next round, even a draw would be enough for the Central European nation.
Teams
Poland
Robert Lewandowski celebrates his first world cup goal against Saudi Arabia. He said he is looking forward to playing against Messi in a world cup match, he should also be aware that this is a chance to enter the last 16 for the first time since 1986. The Eagles showed their defensive prowess by being only one of three countries, Brazil and Morocco, yet to concede a goal after two group games. That is exactly what Argentina could fail in this match.
Argentina
With one point separating them from Poland at the top going into their final group match, Argentina are currently tied with Saudi Arabia on three points. Because of Mexico’s solid defensive line, the Albiceleste struggled in the first half but scored twice in the second. The two-time world champions should not struggle too much to score against their European opponents, as they have scored in each of their 11 previous meetings with the Polish team.
Head to head
Poland and Argentina have played 11 times against each other. Two matches ended in a draw while Argentina won six of them.
Key Players
Lionel Messi is always the most important player in any match he plays. However, media reports claim Argentina will field centre-back Cristian Romero and right-back Nahuel Molina, both 24 years old, in place of Lisandro Martínez and Gonzalo Montiel. In that case, those two will be key to prevent Poland from attacking. Piotr Zielinski, who was crucial in Poland’s victory against Saudi Arabia, will be Poland’s main hope.
Date, Time and Place
The Poland vs Argentina match will be played on December 1 at 00:30 AM (India time) at Stadium 974, Doha.
Live-streaming Details
The Poland vs Argentina match will be telecast live on Sports18 and Sports18 HD TV channels in India and both the Jio Cinema app and website offer free live streaming of the event.
Prediction
Poland’s clean sheet in the tournament so far will be challenged by Messi and the boys, who will win 3-1.
