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Argentina while fresh off a major and fantastic victory against Mexico a couple of days earlier, still needs a win against Poland to ensure a safe passage to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2022. On the other hand, a draw is enough for Poland to get to the knockouts. But the Red Whites also know that with a win over Argentina they could be a group topper and have the advantage of facing an easier opponent in the last 16.

Courtesy of the shocking defeat to Saudi Arabia in match day one, Argentina could be playing their last match of this world cup if things go south for them against Poland. A draw could bring them to a contest with its group opponent in terms of tiebreakers. But if Saudi Arabia wins their match against Mexico, then even a tie wouldn’t be enough for Messi and his teammates to stay in the tournament.

A win against the Europeans is literary now or never particularly for Messi since he has implied that it very well may be his last world cup.

Poland Vs Argentina Expected Lineups

While di Maria hasn’t been as sharp as he is known to be, he still will be the first choice for Lionel Scaloni. Another unmissable name for Argentina’s first eleven is Rodrigo de Paul, one of the star men in the midfield for the South Americans. Along with Messi, de Paul is also the rare player who Scaloni barely takes off the game before the 90th minute. The Argentine coach now has well realized how important Lisandro Martinez is in the back after his performance against Mexico last Sunday.

He definitely is the one to have on the team if Argentina is to follow their impressive defensive records preceding the FIFA World Cup 2022. In just one game against Mexico, Martinez recorded six clearances for the home side. Otamendi too has had mountainous contributions to Argentina’s defense and he also is an easy yes to start in the back for the two-time world champion. Worth mentioning is Otamendi is the player who has completed the most passes for Argentina in this world cup, 181 and he is also the one who has won the most duels in the entire ongoing tournament. A notable new face in the starting lineup could be Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez, thanks to his stunning second goal against Mexico.

For the European team, Piotr Zielinski of Napoli is just as crucial a cog in Poland’s midfield as de Paul is to Argentina. He arguably is the most important player for the Polish after their star man Robert Lewandowski. Aston Villa left-back Matty Cash who has been instrumental from the flanks for his club has not only been a good player on the pitch but also is one of the most picked men for the fantasy players. He has the second most passes among the Polish players in this tournament.

Possible Lineups

Argentina: E. Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Li Martinez, Tagliafico; Fernandez, Paredes, De Paul; Messi, La Martinez, Di Maria

Poland: Szczesny; Cash, Glik, Kiwior, Bereszynski; Zielinski, Bielik, Krychowiak, Frankowski; Milik, Lewandowski

Poland Vs Argentina Predictions

Although Poland has a competitive and organized defense, bookmakers have doubts about its firepower.

Against the reputation of teams like Argentina, Poland is likely to sit back (considering they have slightly more chance of advancing) and hit them on the counter. But la Albiceleste just doesn’t have any good attacking front but some world-class finishers who can turn over the game at any instant. All they need is a feasible distance and even with eleven men on the low block, they are just as dangerous to hurt you. So going overly defensive may backfire for them. In fact, Mexico did the same thing yet they happened to go 2-0 down in the second half. While Saudi, too, went with the plan to be super defensive against Argentina, the Asian sides were also generous to move players in the front when they got the ball on the counter (eg the second goal).

A clean sheet, however, looks a bit improbable. Poland seems like they will at least strike one, especially from the set pieces, the one where they have been dangerous so far. Argentina’s power defender, Otamendi being prone to error is also something to remember in this discussion.

Argentina by default has more experienced players who have won the big game for their nation. We might see another screamer from Messi or some other attackers as Poland has one of the most stout backlines in this tournament. So far they have taken 27 shots in two matches but just nine of them have been on target; the Poles have made it mandatory for their opponents to take the shots from distance. But then again Argentina has too much quality in its attack to make them ineffective even from outside the box. For instance, Mexico did the same as Poland does and only allowed five shots to the South Americans yet they still couldn’t stop a stunning goal from Messi outside the box.

Also, Poland was outplayed by Saudi Arabia by quite a stretch. The Asians were clearly better in terms of an xG battle. It was the number of missed chances that kept the Europeans safe throughout the game. Against Argentina, the chances of that happening are set to decline notably.

We, therefore, are backing Messi and co to find a way once again and are going with Argentina’s 2-0 victory (an early one and the other one late in the second half, most probably on the counter). Perfection in the final third is all that Argentina needs. Alongside we are also projecting Poland to advance despite losing against the South Americans though they have to depend on Mexico to conquer the Saudis for that one.

Poland Vs Argentina Most Recent Odds

Poland Vs Argentina; Previous Stats Of Each Team