On Saturday, Poland will face Saudi Arabia, the group’s surprising leader, which is an essential game for Poland’s World Cup 2022 ambitions.
As a result of Robert Lewandowski’s penalty miss, the Bialo-czerwoni were held to a scoreless draw by Mexico on Tuesday. At the same time, Mexico’s opponents pulled off a World Cup surprise by defeating Argentina.
Poland vs Saudi Arabia Group C Match Preview
After a lacklustre, possibly too cautious first half at Stadium 974 against Mexico on Tuesday, Poland was gifted a great chance to steal all three points when their star Lewandowski was dragged to the ground in the penalty area.
However, Guillermo Ochoa, the World Cup hero, was there to deny the country’s record goalscorer as the Barcelona striker missed a second 12-yard attempt this month.
With just 0.04 predicted goals in the first half and 0.14 overall, excluding the penalty, Czeslaw Michniewicz’s team will feel like they lost out on a chance to challenge for the second qualifying slot following the unexpected loss of points by the favourites, Argentina.
A win here is crucial for Poland if they want to advance, but they’ll have to be on their toes to beat a Saudi Arabia team that will be riding high after their biggest-ever triumph.
The Tuesday winning goal scored by 31-year-old Salem Al-Dawsari will go down as one of the most stunning in World Cup history, as it sent Argentina home with their first loss in 36 matches.
Herve Renard’s team played an exciting brand of soccer characterized by dangerous levels and aggressive lines, and they sprang the offside trap a great ten times.
Mohamed Kanno performed well as the midfield enforcer, while Hassan Al Tambakti was outstanding in the heart of the defence.
After securing three points in the first two games, another win today would put them in an excellent position to make their first appearance in the tournament’s knockout rounds since 1994.
Poland vs Saudi Arabia Group C Team News
Krystian Bielik and Bartosz Bereszynski have been nursing injuries since Tuesday, but the manager said they should be ready to play today.
When points are crucial, it’s possible to see a player like Arkadiusz Milik brought in as early as possible to provide some more firepower.
According to reports, Saudi Arabia’s fullback Yasser Al-Shahrani was taken home from the World Cup after undergoing successful jaw surgery after a horrifying collision with his own goalie late in Tuesday’s historic triumph.
So expect to see Mohammed Al-Burayk start from the get-go with a lineup that is otherwise remarkably similar to the one that stunned the football world four days ago.
- Poland Possible Starting Lineup: Lewandowski, Szczesny, Zalewski, Glik, Cash, Szymanski, Bednarek, Krychowiak, Zielinski, Kiwior, Milik.
- Saudi Arabia Possible Starting Lineup: Al-Boleahi, Al Tambakti, Abdulhamid, Al-Burayk, Al Malki, Kanno, Al-Owais, Al Dawsari, Al-Shehiri, Al-Abed, Al Buraikan.
Poland vs Saudi Arabia Group C Prediction (0-2)
Getting the three points here is crucial for Poland. Therefore we anticipate a more expansive and attacking style of play. However, Saudi Arabia has demonstrated it can defeat anybody. We believe they will be able to disappoint their opponents and make another significant stride towards qualifying.
