Do-or-die for Argentina against Poland

Argentina are facing yet another do-or-die situation in their final group stage match against Poland as they must win to secure qualification as group winners.

The Albiceleste currently sit second in group C with three points, behind the Polish who have four. The other two teams in the group, Saudi Arabia and Mexico, have three and one respectively.

If Argentina win the match, they will go through as group winners unless Saudi Arabia manage to better their win by at least two goals. If they draw the match, they will have to hope that the match between Mexico and Saudi Arabia also ends in a draw, which will see them pip the middle-eastern country on goal difference. And if they lose, no result can save them from going home early.

But the equation becomes complicated when the other factors come in. If Argentina end up as the group runners-up, they will face France in the second round, meaning there will be a repeat of the round of 16 clash from the last World Cup, where the eventual Champions managed to edge past Argentina in a 4-3 thriller.

Ahead of the game, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has many questions that require answering. He brought five changes against Mexico from the Saudi Arabia defeat and then used quick substitutions to change things around for the better.

Lionel Messi produced a moment of magic to break the deadlock against the Mexicans, and then Enzo Fernandez, who came off the bench, scored a stunner to ensure their three points.

The 21-year-old Enzo is set to start in the base of midfield instead of Guido Rodriguez, while the other two starting midfielders from the last game, Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister, are set to keep their place.

In attack, Lautaro Martinez might lose his spot to Julian Alvarez, and Juan Foyth may come in for Gonzalo Montiel.

After their Mexico clash, Scaloni admitted that Poland would be a tough opponent.

“Poland are very difficult, everyone plays differently (against Argentina). And they don’t just change for Leo (Messi), but for all the other players and for the respect for Argentina,” he said.

Poland, basking in the confidence gained from their 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia, will be hoping that they can emulate what the Saudis did, and will depend on their skipper Robert Lewandowski, who finally broke his World Cup duck in the previous match, for goals.

They will also hope that their defence, which includes Premier League players Jan Bednarek and Matty Cash, will be able to keep Messi and co quiet while depending on Arkadiusz Milik to provide Lewandowski with service.

They only need a point to progress, and they are likely to give their all for it.