📰 Table Of Contents
Accumulator of the day:
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Argentina vs Saudi Arabia
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The long and short of it is, Argentina are widely expected to win this game rather easily aren’t they?
Last summer, la Albiceleste ended their 28-year trophy draught, beating Brazil in the Copa América Final, also picking up the Artemio Franchi Cup in June.
But this is the competition they really want to win, and they could hardly come into it in better form.
If Lionel Scaloni’s side avoid defeat in Lusail, they’ll extend their unbeaten streak to 37 matches, matching Italy’s world record.
Lionel Messi currently has 91 international goals to his name, coming against 33 opponents, looking to add Saudi Arabia to that list.
All six of Messi’s World Cup goals have come in the group stages, so it seems likely he’ll get on the scoresheet here too.
To date, the Green Falcons have won just three of 16 World Cup matches, beating both Morocco and Belgium on debut at USA ‘94, before defeating Egypt in a dead-rubber four years ago.
Since securing qualification in March, Hervé Renard’s team have won just two of ten friendlies, these against domestic-based North Macedonia and Iceland XIs.
So, expect a comfortable Argentina victory at Lusail Iconic Stadium.
Denmark vs Tunisia
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Tuesday’s second offering also promises to be a straight-forward win, although this one is a little less cut and dried.
Tunisia do not concede many goals, emphasised by the fact they qualified for this tournament by defeating Mali 1-0 over two legs.
In fact, the Eagles of Carthage have conceded just five goals in their last 15 competitive fixtures, reaching last year’s FIFA Arab Cup Final in Qatar.
On the other hand, when Jalel Kadri’s team took on Brazil in a friendly in September, they were hammered 5-1 in Paris.
Another key problem for Tunisia is the fact that Denmark come into this tournament in red-hot form.
De Rød-Hvide have already beaten France twice in 2022, reaching the semi-finals of last year’s European Championships.
Kasper Hjulmand’s team have kept 14 clean sheets in their last 27 competitive outings, and will fancy their chances of another here.
Star man Christian Eriksen will feature at his third World Cup, which is great to see following his cardiac arrest during Euro 2020.
He scored against Australia in Samara four years ago, so will be looking to bag a 40th international goal here.
Will Denmark teach Tunisia a footballing lesson at the Education City Stadium?
Mexico vs Poland
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Of all 48 group matches to be played in Qatar, this one is arguably the toughest to call.
With Argentina red-hot favourites to take top spot, and Saudi Arabia likely to be whipping boys, this could be an early shootout for second place in Group C.
When it comes to getting out of their group at the World Cup, few do it better than Mexico.
El Tri haven’t fallen at the first hurdle since 1978, but have exited in the round of 16 at each of the last seven editions.
Usually, Mexican fans are dreaming of that illusive ‘quinto partido’ but, led by the unpopular Tata Martino, there are fears they’ll already be out by the tercer partido.
In contrast to their opponents, Poland have gone out in the group phase at all three World Cups they’ve featured at this century.
Since finished third at Spain ‘82, the Eagles have actually lost eight of 13 World Cup games, winning exactly once each time.
But, with Robert Lewandowski leading their attack, Czesław Michniewicz’s team are confident of claiming a crucial victory here.
The Barcelona striker has scored 76 international goals, including five at European Championships, but his still seeking his first at a World Cup.
Will it come at Stadium 974?
France vs Australia
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As was the case four and a half years ago, France begin their World Cup campaign against Australia.
1,620 days ago in Kazan, les Bleus needed a fluke late own goal by Aziz Behich to snatch a 2-1 victory.
This time, it’s likely to be a more comfortable evening for Didier Deschamps’ team.
France will be without numerous key players due to injury, namely N’Golo Kanté, Paul Pogba, Christopher Nkunku and Karim Benzema.
Nevertheless, they still have an abundance of firepower, seeking to become the first side to retain the World cup since 1962.
Kylian Mbappé scored four times in Russia, including in the final, and will be their main man for goals here too.
As for Australia, this’ll be their fifth successive World Cup appearance, but the Socceroos’ squad probably hasn’t been this week for a generation
During qualifying, Graham Arnold’s team took just one point from four matches against fellow-finalists Japan and Saudi Arabia.
They were also held to draws by minnows China PR and Oman, eventually ousted Peru on penalties in June’s inter-confederation play-off.
Most are expecting Australia to finish rock bottom of this group, and it would be a huge upset if they got anything from this game.
Will the reigning and defending champions of the world put on a show at Al Janoub Stadium?
