Argentina will enter a decisive match for their ticket to the knockout round of Group C of the 2022 World Cup against Poland. Both teams want to top the group to avoid having to face France in the round of 16.
For Argentina, every match is "a final". Photo: FIFA
Facing a lot of pressure after the shocking loss to Saudi Arabia on the opening day, Argentina entered the match with Mexico under a lot of psychological pressure. With their own bravery and ability, the reigning South American champions overcame the terrible pressure thanks to a magical moment of brilliance from superstar Messi. That shot from outside the box brought a goal and also relieved the pressure that was weighing down on all members of Argentina at that time.
But looking at the whole performance against Mexico, it seems that Argentina only really escaped the deadlock thanks to El Pulga's usual moment of genius.
There are still too many problems for Albiceleste. In the past 2 matches, their midfield stars have often been stuck when facing opponents who play with a large defense and press very hard. Against a Poland team that has a slight advantage, it is likely that coach Lionel Scaloni's team will fall into a difficult situation again.
This is the third meeting between the two teams at the World Cup. Poland beat Argentina 3-2 in 1974 but in the 1978 World Cup, Argentina got revenge with a score of 2-0.
Like Argentina, Poland had a disappointing start. But in the second match they came back with clever tactics. The White Eagles are making steady progress in the tournament in Qatar with 4 points in hand and have not conceded a goal. This result has temporarily helped them lead the group.
In the victory over Saudi Arabia, the White Eagles neutralized the opponent with simple play along with Lewandowski operating widely, attracting defenders and creating opportunities for teammates.
Poland has the advantage as they only need a draw to advance. Photo: FIFA
Poland are unbeaten in four matches and have kept a clean sheet recently. However, they have not won and conceded 11 goals in the previous four matches. The head-to-head record is not in Poland's favor either. In 11 encounters with Argentina, they have conceded 11 goals (18 goals, an average of 1.6 goals/match). The White Eagles have only won three and lost twice as many. The name Poland also evokes fond memories of Argentina, when they won 2-0 with a brace from Mario Kempes on their way to winning their first World Cup (1978).
If they beat Argentina, Poland will advance as the top team in Group C with 7 points. If they draw with Argentina, Lewandowski and his teammates will still be sure to advance, but they will need to pay attention to the match between Mexico and Saudi Arabia to determine the top spot in the group.
A draw would be enough for Argentina and Poland to advance, in case Mexico and Saudi Arabia draw in the same match of Group C. But a win would not only ensure the ticket to the next round but also bring the group top spot, avoiding the home team.defending championFrance in the round of 16. Argentina fans are confident their team is back on track and with another win, they will only have to face a weak opponent in the knockout round.
"Argentina players will play every match as if it were a final and will not make any mistakes" - Lionel Messi
With the top spot in Group D already in the hands of defending champions France, having to finish second in Group C could make the dream of going far in this year's World Cup for Poland or Argentina extremely difficult. Meanwhile, the remaining opponents in Group D such as Australia, Tunisia or Denmark, if they meet these teams in the next round, will not have too much trouble. Therefore, they have more reason for Argentina and Poland to be determined in this match.
The highly anticipated match between Messi and Lewandowski. Photo: FIFA
La Albiceleste are unbeaten in their last three meetings with European teams (W2 D1).
In this match, fans will witness the competition between the two top strikers in the world today, Messi and Lewandowski. Both are captains, leading the team, the biggest hope of Poland and Argentina. Surely the confrontation between these two most talented players of contemporary football is worth waiting for.
Messi continued his scoring form as he scored consecutively for Argentina in this tournament. The first goal was from the penalty spot in the opening match, although it could not prevent Argentina from suffering a humiliating 1-2 defeat to weaker opponents Saudi Arabia. The second goal was a delicate strike as La Albiceleste defeated Mexico 2-0.
This is the first time Lewandowski and Messi have faced off in an official match at the national team level.
The 35-year-old striker has scored in six consecutive appearances for Argentina in all competitions, his longest scoring streak for his national team.
Lewy has also found his scoring touch at the World Cup. The Poland striker missed a penalty in the 0-0 draw with Mexico on the opening day. However, the 34-year-old striker had his first World Cup goal to celebrate in the 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
The Polish striker has won all the top titles at club level while playing for Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich (8 national championships, 1 Champions League, 2 European Golden Boots). In that respect, Lewandowski is not far behind Messi.
The notable match between Argentina and Poland in the final round of Group C for a ticket to the 2022 World Cup Round of 16 will take place at 2:00 a.m. on December 1.
Expected starting lineups for Poland and Argentina:
Poland: W. Szczesny, M. Cash, K. Glik, J. Kiwior, B. Bereszynski, K. Bielik, G. Krychowiak, P. Zielinski, P. Frankowski, A. Milik, R. Lewandowski.
Argentina: E. Martinez, G. Montiel, N. Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, M. Acuna; A. Mac Allister, E. Fernandez, R. De Paul; A. Di Marra, Lautaro Martinez, L. Messi.
According to Tin Tuc Newspaper