Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Hervé Renard… Some important protagonists at the start of the 2022 World Cup can remain on the sidelines.
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World Cup: group classification
Full World Cup match schedule
Results after the last group C matches on Wednesday, between Poland and Argentina on the one hand and Saudi Arabia and Mexico on the other (8:00 p.m.).
Infallible Poland
"
Messi, I'm studying you!"
I can't wait to face Argentina!
“Launched Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny on Saturday, decisive against Saudi Arabia (2-0) with a formidable double save from the penalty spot.
The solidity of Poland allowed them to reach this third match against Argentina without a goal and in a favorable situation, alone in the lead with four points.
She is the only selection in the group to be guaranteed to qualify with a draw and a victory against Messi and his family would send her to first place for sure.
For this, the Poles can also count on Robert Lewandowski, who finally scored his first goal in the World Cup against the Saudis.
“
It's a hugely important goal and it's a childhood dream come true today
,” he said.
Argentina liberated... and delivered?
For an hour against Mexico, Argentina seemed devoured by stress, aware that a conceded goal risked sending them home very prematurely.
But Messi then entered the scene with a superb goal, experienced as a huge relief, and the Argentines finally won 2-0.
Enough to really liberate the selection in the sky and white jersey?
It is not completely certain and Argentina is dragging its initial defeat against the Saudis like a ball.
“
There is a feeling of relief but it is difficult to make people understand that the sun will shine tomorrow, whether we win or not
”, tried to put coach Lionel Scaloni into perspective.
But Argentina is crazy about football and dreams with Messi of a third world title after those of 1978 and 1986, the masterpiece of Diego Maradona.
For that, it will already be necessary to go to the 1/8 finals.
This will be the case with a success against Poland.
But with a draw, the Argentines will be in danger.
Saudi Arabia can believe it
Saudi Arabia still believes in the round of 16 after facing Argentina and Poland and that's already a huge achievement.
Hervé Renard's men are even in a fairly favorable situation.
A victory against Mexico on Wednesday would indeed qualify them for sure.
And even a draw could be enough for them, in case of success for Poland or a big victory for Argentina.
A presence in 1/8 would be a first for the "Falcons" since 1994.
The Mexican Dream
“
As long as there is a chance, always take it
,” Mexico coach Gerardo Martino promised after the loss to Argentina.
Accustomed to the 1/8 finals, which they have played in the last seven editions, without overtaking them, the Mexicans are still in a very precarious situation.
They are indeed the only team in the group that can be eliminated with a victory in the last match.
With only one point in two matches, they must in any case absolutely win to hope to continue their journey.
But they haven't scored a single goal yet...
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