Group C consists of one the favourites in Argentina alongside some tough competition in Poland, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia.
Expectations are high for the South American side as they’re the form nation going into the competition. Argentina have gone 36 games unbeaten and haven’t lost since July of 2019. Lionel Messi has yet to win a World Cup despite reaching the final in 2014. But this year’s competition looks like the last chance for the PSG star. In a recent friendly against the UAE, Argentina beat them 5-0 with Messi starring but also Di Maria fired 2 and showed he's still a threat for this World Cup. After the disappointment of the 2018 World Cup, Argentina bounced back to win the Copa America in 2021 and will look to go all the way in this year’s World Cup.
Mexico finished second in their qualification, only missing out on first by goal difference. Talisman Raul Jimenez has been called up despite only 4 starts this season for Wolves. He’s been struggling for both goals and full fitness heading into the World Cup but Mexico will be hoping he can play come the first match. The iconic Mexican goal keeper Guillermo Ochoa may be called for heroics yet again as he faces the attacking talents of Messi, Lewandowski and many more this year. Ochoa is known for his outstanding World Cup performances and could be vital for Mexico this tournament. In the 2018 World Cup, Mexico were knocked out by Brazil in the round of 16 and will be hoping to advance out the difficult group this time around.
Poland’s star man Robert Lewandowski will want to make a statement of his own as he has a difficult task to lead Poland out the group. Poland beat Sweden in the play-off final to reach this year’s tournament after finishing second in their qualifying group behind England. They were overly disappointing in the 2018 World Cup finishing last in their group. Personally, I believe Piotr Zielinski could run the show in the Poland midfield after an excellent start to season with an exciting Napoli side. This is also an opportunity for Aston Villa right back Matty Cash to show his skills to a global audience after an injury filled season.
Saudi Arabia are the underdogs of the group, tipped to finish last by the majority of people. They had an impressive qualification campaign after winning their group. Saudi Arabia's star man is the Al-Hilal midfielder Salem Al-Dawsari. He scored a 95th minute winner against Egypt in the 2018 World Cup and was the best performer in a struggling side. They crashed out of the group stages last time out and have a difficult task on their hand this tournament. They open their campaign against an incredible Argentina side which may be the start of the end for Saudi Arabia.
The group looks exciting and hard to predict both the nations to qualify. I believe Argentina cruise through with 9 points, however second place is up for grabs between Poland and Mexico. I just about have Poland to advance with Mexico third and Saudi Arabia crashing out in last place. What do you think Group C?
Who will finish top of the Group?
Argentina
Mexico
Poland
Saudi Arabia
By Josiah Cooper
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