There are four days to go until the start of the biggest football gathering in the World known as the FIFA World Cup and countries like Argentina in Group C will try to enjoy the memory of Mexico 1986 in Qatar.
In addition to the athletes who will be presented in the competition, a statistic Al Jazeera it is also predicted that the first of the World Cups from November to December will expect more than 1.2 million fans from all corners of the world.
Group C
A serious contender, a consistent performer, a wild card and an underdog make up this team. Argentina beats Mexico, Poland and Saudi Arabia. Mexico and Poland should compete for second place, and Saudi Arabia, the underdogs, will want to pull off a surprise.
Argentina – La Albiceleste
Argentina will be participating in their 18th World Cup this year in Qatar and will be looking to win their third title after last winning it in 1986. Besides the USA, Argentina is one of the founders of the World Cup when it started. in 1930
La Albiceleste is not only one of the favorites for the playoffs, having progressed to the next stage except for three times in the history of participation. They have only been eliminated three times in the group stage -1958, 1962 and 2002-.
This 2022 crop looks to have an excellent chance of lifting the trophy for a third time as they come to Qatar in enviable form. The last loss of the team led by Lionel Scaloni was in Brazil in July 2019 in the Copa América, more than three years ago.
The South American remains on a 35-match unbeaten run with plans to add to that at the World Cup. The last time Argentina won was in the 2019 Copa America, against Brazil. Aside from Messi, who is far and away their best player; Players like Larturo Matinez, Lisandro Martinez and Angel Di Maria will pose a huge threat to any team.
FIFA Classification : 3
Player to watch: Lionel Messi
As he did at the Copa América in 2021, nothing but the amazing Messi will be the inspiration for his team in pursuit of what will be their greatest triumph. Also, this is likely to be the PSG star’s last World Cup. The Argentina star has yet to win the World Cup to equal Diego Maradona’s record, after winning the Copa America.
Poland – Eagles
Poland will be in the World Cup for the ninth time. The European country has enjoyed relatively happy runs at football’s biggest event, winning the bronze medal in 1974 and 1982.
The Eagles’ road to the world cup came with the disqualification of Russia after they finished as runners-up to England, who beat Sweden in the final qualifiers due to the ongoing war.
Coach Czesław Michniewicz has a compact side that could spring a surprise in Qatar. Outside of the extraordinary goalscorer Lewandowski, there is the central ingenuity of Piotr Zielinski and Nicola Zalewski, who can create something out of nothing. At least they will believe that they have a chance to go to the next stage.
FIFA ranking: 26
Player to watch– Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski, the country’s captain, champion and top scorer, will be the Eagles’ main talisman. Especially when it comes to goals.
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Mexico – El Tri
Mexico may not be a world power when it comes to soccer, but they were among the inaugural countries in the 1930 World Cup tournament. They have participated 16 times with their best results in the 1970 and 1986 editions, where they reached the quarter-finals.
They were not overly convincing in the playoffs, but no team should discount these Mexicans coached by Gerardo Martino. Old war horse and captain Héctor Herrera is aggressive in midfield while they can score goals, especially if Raul Jimenez gets fit.
FIFA Classification; 13
Player to watch: Hirving Lozano
Napoli’s boisterous striker can do many things but the key is that he will run all day, harassing defenders and trying to create one-on-one situations with the last defender. With 16 goals in 59 games, Lozano is looking to lead his country to at least another quarter-final spot.
Saudi Arabia – Green Falcons
The Herve Renard-led side will be looking to build on their last World Cup adventure, where they took three points from three group games in their sixth World Cup appearance.
Despite qualifying for the World Cup, with two games to go, the Green Falcons are underdogs in Group C. This means that qualifying for the next stage will be a miracle. According to The Athletic, the Saudi team may face undue exposure mainly because their players are domestic.
FIFA Classification: 51
Player to watch: Salem Al-Dawsari
The Saudi Arabian captain works with his home club, Al Hilal, where he has made a name for himself on the Asian continent. The winger has spent his entire playing career with the Saudi Arabian giants scoring 47 goals in 207 games. His goals will be needed in Qatar.
Group B prediction
Argentina and Poland are the most likely to advance to the next stage. Mexico, on the other hand, will show some level against Poland, who will be competing in the World Cup for the second time – the first encounter in 1978 ended with a 3-1 defeat against Tricolor.
Despite the two-month preparation period, Saudi Arabia may not reach the three points achieved in the last edition. The style of play has evolved, but the opponents are more sophisticated than the average Asian opponents.
Argentina should win at least two matches, against Mexico and Saudi Arabia, and at least draw against Poland. The first match between Poland and Mexico is very important and the winner could be the second place in the group.
The games
November 22 – Argentina – Saudi Arabia
November 22 – Mexico – Poland
November 26 – Poland – Saudi Arabia
November 26 – Argentina – Mexico
November 30 – Poland – Argentina
November 30 – Saudi Arabia – Mexico
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