Match previews for a blockbuster Day Seven of 2022 FIFA World Cup as Groups C and D take centre-stage.
Following an unexpected opening defeat in Group C, title contenders – Argentina now face a must-win clash against Mexico if they’re to keep their qualification dreams alive, whilst Saudi Arabia look to cause another upset as they take on Poland.
Reigning champions, France meanwhile could secure top spot in Group D with a win as they meet Denmark in an European showdown, as Tunisia take on Australia in the other game in that group.
Tunisia vs Australia (Group D)
Having delivered a surprisngly strong performance to snatch a draw against Denmark in their opening game, Tunisia can come into this game full of belief because their pressing and attacking pace is genuinely dangerous despite their poor end product.
Australia meanwhile weren’t expected to beat France but they were impressive in their early high-press but were eventually comfortably dismantled defensively, so I do anticipate a strong response in a game that they must win to realistically keep their qualification hopes alive.
Tunisia though do look like dark horses to qualify from this group and if they can just tidy up their finishing touch, I can see them having enough to beat Australia’s defence if it doesn’t improve enough.
Prediction: Tunisia 2-1 Australia
Poland vs Saudi Arabia (Group C)
Following their goalless draw against Mexico on Tuesday, Poland now need to deliver a huge improvement because they just couldn’t handle the Mexicans at time despite some solid defending at times, with victory crucial ahead of their tricky final group match against Argentina.
Saudi Arabia meanwhile are in the unusual position of entering this game top of Group C after stunning Argentina from behind, in a game where they showed true defensive grit in both halves to first stay in the match then protect their lead after playing clinically technical attack-minded football.
My biggest intrigue surrounding this game therefore lies in how Saudi Arabia handle the pressure of being group leaders, because this Polish team is there to be challenged if the Green Falcons can play like they did on Tuesday in what should be a more open game.
This game however is must-win for Poland which might actually suit Saudi Arabia who can qualify for the knockout stages with a win, in turn placing pressure on Argentina to get something against Mexico to keep their hopes alive.
I though wouldn’t be surprised if we see a draw because this Saudi Arabian team is unlike any of their precedessors, especially in terms of spirit and gutiness.
Prediction: Poland 1-1 Saudi Arabia
France vs Denmark (Group D)
Recent tournaments have been a curse for reigning champions and it was easy to fear the same for France given their injury issues, yet they showed that not even conceding first in their opening game would faze them in a comfortable comeback win over Australia with impressive control.
Didier Deschamps’ Les Bleus though were initially sloppy in defence at times which the Aussies were able to exploit, which is something that Denmark should look to take advantage of if can perform more clinically than they were against Tunisia.
The Danish Dynamite though did struggle to handle Tunisia’s attacking pace and dynamic runs which is a concern coming into this game, given how easily France were able to unleash energetic intensity in their movement on the ball.
Denmark though did beat France twice in the UEFA Nations League this summer but they will need a huge improvement, if they’re to get anything here in what should be a close contest between the two Group D favourites.
Prediction: France 2-1 Denmark
Argentina vs Mexico (Group C)
Following a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening game, Argentina now will be aware that if the Green Falcons draw against Poland, their clash against Mexico would become a must-win if they’re to avoid a shock early exit.
One particular concern for Argentina will be the contrast between their attack and defence because their attacking was aggressive yet wasteful with several offsides, whilst their defence struggled to muster up once placed under proper pressure which simply cannot be replicated here.
Mexico meanwhile dominated Poland in their goalless draw with an excellent all-round performance, except in their end product which was decent but not clinical enough to beat Wojciech Szczesny, yet I do anticipate them to come out and really take the fight to Argentina.
This game therefore should be a corker if both teams bring their attacking best but the pressure will certainly be on Argentina, which could suit Mexico if they can deliver another solid display but with better finishing up front.
Prediction: Argentina 1-1 Mexico
Leave a Reply