Saudi Arabia will face a stern test of their credentials when they face off against red-hot Lionel Messi and his Argentine side in Group C’s opener! Josh Gaillard previews.
To Win Match
Argentina 1/10 | Draw 7/1 | Saudi Arabia 25/1
The South Americans are expected to go deep in Qatar. The disappointment of the 2014 final loss seemed too much to overcome, and Argentina’s campaign crumbled early on in Russia. The group stages have hardly ever been an issue, with the Albicelestes last failing to qualify from a group in 2002.
Argentina’s qualification process was without blemish – 10 wins and three draws, netting 18 goals and conceding a mere three. They followed that impressive run-up with a 3-0 win over Italy in the inaugural Finalissima.
Finally, coach Lionel Scaloni used three friendlies to mix and match any last-minute additions to his World Cup squad, defeating Estonia by 5-0, Honduras by 3-0 and Jamaica by 3-0.
Argentina arguably possesses one of the best starting XIs in recent years and might hold the current best squad on paper. The defensive solidarity is evident in their qualifying campaign, but the offensive side of their play cannot go unnoticed.
Alongside Messi, the attack will include Lautaro Martínez, Paulo Dybala and young Manchester City star Julian Alvarez.
Having participated in five previous editions, Saudi Arabia is no stranger to the World Cup final stages. Now, for the first time, they get to play in their backyard, under a familiar climate with familiar faces and loads of support.
The Falcons have now qualified for three editions of the World Cup in succession. They finished top of their group in the first round and, more impressively, top over Australia and Japan again in the third round. Of 18 qualification fixtures, they managed 13 wins, five draws, and a solitary loss in Japan.
Head coach Herve Renard joined the nation in 2019, and was tasked for qualifying for and competing in Qatar. The Frenchman is no stranger to success, having picked up Africa Cup of Nations successes in 2012 with Zambia and 2015 with Ivory Coast.
His setup is primarily defensive, and he relies heavily on midfielder Salem Al-Dawsari and winger Saleh Al-Shehri, who scored a combined 14 goals in the qualifiers.
Verdict: Half time/full time Argentina/Argentina 4/9
Argentina has the attacking and technical capability to break down Saudi Arabia. Back the South Americans to comfortably win both halves at 4/9.
