Argentina will be looking to hurdle Poland for the top spot in Group C when they do battle at Stadium 974. The Lionel Messi entourage knows the importance of qualifying for the Round of 16 top of the group, just one point behind Robert Lewandowski and co.
To Win Match
Poland 7/1 | Draw 16/5 | Argentina 2/5
After drawing the opening fixture 0-0 with Mexico Poland needed a positive result in matchday two. The Poles secured a disciplined 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, and their strengths at the back have been evident in Qatar, as they are one of only three nations yet to concede a goal after their first two group matches.
Finally, after numerous attempts, 34-year-old Robert Lewandowski finally celebrated his first World Cup goal. A missed penalty just one match prior, the Barcelona forward found redemption when just eight minutes from the final whistle pouncing on a defensive error.
Victory for Poland on Wednesday would secure the top spot in Group C and guarantee their place in the last 16, while a draw could also be enough to finish at the summit if Saudi Arabia fails to beat Mexico. However, defeat will end their World Cup journey if Saudi Arabia claims the maximum points.
The scenes from the Argentine dressing room after full-time were a site to behold and Lionel Scaloni’s men – regarded by many as one of the pre-tournament favourites to go all the way in Qatar – appear to have restored belief heading into their final group clash.
After an underwhelming first match from an Argentine perspective, nerves were on the edge as they headed into a clash with Mexico. The first-half showing for star man Lionel Messi was beginning to look like his performance in the 2014 final, but the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner stepped up when it mattered breaking the deadlock in the 64th minute. The GOAT (as many refer to him) then set up Enzo Fernandez in the closing stages of the matchup to secure three points with a 2-0 victory.
Argentina will finish at the summit of Group C and qualify for the knockout rounds if they secure all three points against Poland and if Saudi Arabia fails to beat Mexico by a larger margin than Scaloni’s side. A draw, meanwhile, could be enough for them to progress in second place if Saudi Arabia fails to win
Verdict: Double Chance Draw/Argentina and Over 2.5 (20/21)
Despite Poland’s defensive solidarity, keeping Argentina quiet could prove challenging. If Messi and company can click in the final third, the top spot should be a certainty.
