The Netherlands, Senegal, England and the United States of America have sealed their qualification to the next round, along with teams that had already qualified for it during the second round of group stages, such as France, Brazil and Portugal after they each won two out of two games. The question for tonight is, will Denmark, Australia or Tunisia join France in the Round of 16? And which teams are to emerge as the group winner and runner-up in Group C, is it Poland, Argentina, Saudi Arabia or Mexico?
A Dogfight in Group C
A series of unexpected results that was initiated by Saudi Arabia upsetting Argentina in one of the most shocking games in the history of the World Cup made all four teams in the group still in contention of making it into the last 16 stage. Poland currently tops the group with 4 points while Argentina and Saudi Arabia share the same amount of points (3) with a win from two games. Mexico is at the bottom with 1 point but a win against the Falcons and a loss from La Albiceleste against the White-Reds will send them to the last 16 stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The focal point of tonight’s fixture is, of course, whether or not Messi and co are to pack home from Qatar without even qualifying to the next round in a tournament many thought they would end up winning it all. It is also worth noting that Argentina came into the World Cup with the second-best unbeaten streak (36 games) in the history of football. Will Messi swing his magical wand again in his last chance of bagging the World Cup trophy into his elusive cabinet, and the third world title for La Albiceleste?
One Last Spot to Grab from Group D
French delight was imminent even though the strength of their squad was heavily reduced due to an extensive list of injuries before and during the World Cup. These notable absences did not stop the 2018 FIFA World Cup champion from performing well game after game, with a maximum of 6 points collected in two games, where six goals were scored and two were conceded during the process.
Australia, Denmark and Tunisia currently hold 3, 1 and 1 point respectively. France is likely to field a rather weaker team against Tunisia in the last group fixture, and this will provide the latter a pipe dream of qualifying for the next round as a resounding victory and Denmark securing a small-margin win against Australia would be sufficient. As for the clash between Australia and Denmark, a tough encounter will be in store as both were expected to have a close fight for the second spot of the group.
Did Ronaldo touch the ball for Portugal’s opening goal against Uruguay? Check here out: https://www.watchworldcup.org/bruno-fernandes-brace-sent-portugal-to-the-round-of-16-of-the-2022-fifa-world-cup-in-qatar/
(Photo Credits: Holiday Tours & Travel)
