World Cup Preview - Group C: Messi to fire Argentina to glory?

Having previewed Group A and B, attention turns to Group C as Argentina look to help Lionel Messi to World Cup glory ahead of his international retirement. 

Argentina  

How they qualified 

Argentina qualified from the CONMEBOL qualification stages behind Brazil, but they were good value for their progression to Qatar 2022. They went unbeaten throughout qualification, winning 11 of their 17 games, while their meeting with Brazil was, of course, infamously abandoned. They conceded only eight goals in 17 games, which is fewer than they conceded in the four games at the 2018 World Cup. 

One to watch 

Almost expectantly, Lionel Messi remains Argentina’s player to watch, as he enters his fifth and final World Cup. He is yet to get his hands on the trophy, but with the form he is in for PSG this season, and the fact his nation won the 2021 Copa America, there is every chance they can go one step further from their 2014 World Cup final appearance. 

Young Player to watch 

21-year-old midfielder Enzo Fernandez only joined Benfica in June, yet has been linked with a number of top European clubs this season, and is the young player to watch for Argentina. He has quickly established himself a key player for Roger Schmidt’s Benfica side, with a WhoScored rating of 7.25 ranking 11th in Liga Bwin this season. 

Prediction 

Lionel Scaloni’s side are predicted to go all the way in Qatar. Success in 2022 would top off Messi’s fantastic footballing career, would seal Argentina’s third ever World Cup success, and their first since 1986, a mere 36 years ago. 

Mexico 

How they qualified 

Mexico, now managed by former Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino, qualified for the 2022 World Cup by finishing 2nd in CONCACAF qualifying, despite losing to both USA and Canada. They are no stranger to making it out of the group, which they have done in the last seven occasions, but the side has diminished in recent years, and that run could come to an end. 

One to watch 

Despite the high profile Hirving Lozano being a part of the Mexico ranks, Edson Alvarez could be the player to watch out for. He started as a central-back playing for América, but evolved into a prominent and elegant defensive midfielder that gives teams cohesion between the lines. 

Young Player to watch 

Roberto Alvarado, despite being over the age of 23, is the youngest player in the Mexico ranks. He has been a part of Guadalajara setup since the start of the year, and has made 31 appearances for his country. He could be the young player to watch out for in the elderly Mexico squad. 

Prediction 

With many Mexicans struggling to back the team as they have done in recent years, we could see a group stage exit for Mexico, which would end their run successive last-6 qualifications. The quality of their opponents, bar Saudi Arabia, in their group may be too much for them on this occasion. However, the same could be said for 2018, where they beat Germany and South Korea to qualify for the knockout rounds.

Poland  

How they qualified 

Poland qualified for the World Cup after coming through the European Qualification playoffs as they saw off Sweden. Head coach Czeslaw Michniewicz will be hoping Poland can make it out of the group, something they failed to achieve in their last three attempts, most recently at Russia 2018. 

One to watch 

Without question, all eyes will be on Robert Lewandowski as they usually are when Poland are on show, as the Barcelona striker is arguably their most recognisable player in history. The former Bayern man, who is currently sitting on 134 caps for his country, will be hoping to fire Poland into the last-16. 

Young Player to watch 

Sebastian Szymanski has been in good form for Feyenoord, and will be Poland’s young player to watch. He has 17 caps for his country, but his seven goals and four assists for the Dutch outfit this season, where he is on loan at from Dynamo Moscow, highlight just how much of a superb campaign he is currently enjoying. If he can continue this good run of form into Qatar, his stock could skyrocket. 

Prediction 

We think Poland will battle Mexico to qualify alongside Argentina for the last-16, but with the quality in their side, we feel Poland can make it out of the group stages. However, the first knockout stage is likely to be as far as they go, matching their finish in 1986.  

Saudi Arabia 

How they qualified 

Saudi Arabia topped a tricky group in qualifying, coming out ahead of Japan and Australia, and they’ll look to that for inspiration. They were deserved winners too, losing just once, that coming away to Japan across their 10-game stretch. They will want to perform better than in 2018, but with a group containing Argentina, Poland and Mexico, it’s an extremely tough ask. 

One to watch 

Salem Al-Dawsari, who scored the winner in their game against Egypt to claim their three points in Russia, will be the Saudi Arabia player to watch. The Al Hilal stalwart, who has 70 caps for his country, will be hoping he can spur his side to a respectable tournament, despite the odds being heavily stacked against them. 

Young Player to watch 

Firas Al-Buraikan looks set to lead the line, and while his six international goals doesn’t seem like a figure to shout home about, the 22-year-old was prolific at youth level, and has been in form for his club Al-Fateh, where he has notched four in eight this season. 

Prediction 

Saudi Arabia will be lucky to get even a point in their three group games, which speaks for the opposition they are playing. We think they’ll go out in the group stages, and most likely finish bottom of Group C. 

Group Stage predictions

1.    Argentina

2.    Poland

3.    Mexico

4.    Saudi Arabia