A loss to present table-toppers Poland may see Messi and Co eradicated from the World Cup.
Who: Poland vs Argentina, Group C
The place: Stadium 974
When: Wednesday, November 30, 10pm (19:00 GMT)
The defeat to Saudi Arabia had damaged Argentina. Lionel Messi spoke of the times being lengthy within the aftermath of the opening sport. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez met a psychologist. Lautaro Martinez mentioned the sport towards Mexico was akin to a World Cup closing.
They entered the Lusail Stadium on Saturday night time getting ready to elimination and for the primary hour performed like a staff that deserved to be despatched dwelling.
Their incapability to deal with the strain was finest evidenced by midfielder Rodrigo de Paul, who appeared unable to string a move collectively to save lots of his life. The din on the Argentinian finish wasn’t a mirrored image of followers’ confidence within the staff as a lot because it conveyed the high-stakes nature of the event.
The Lusail match was kindled with desperation and Messi’s Sixty fifth-minute aim blew its lid off. Essentially the most hanging picture amid the primal scenes that adopted was that of Argentina assistant coach Pablo Aimar breaking into tears on the bench. It wasn’t only a aim; it was a keep of execution.
Messi’s childhood idol Pablo Aimar tearing up after Messi’s aim 🥺❤️ pic.twitter.com/EGj9zwZaCg
— Akhlash (@Akhlash_lm10) November 26, 2022
“We knew that at this time we needed to win, that one other World Cup began for us and we knew what to do,” Messi mentioned instantly after the sport.
Argentina must relive that rigidity towards Poland. They enter the sport with factors on the board however the strain stays unchanged. Something lower than a win may go away their destiny dependent – but once more – on Saudi Arabia, who play Mexico of their closing group stage sport.
The Poles at present sit prime of the group, with a draw and a win of their first two video games. From a factors perspective, it’s already their finest displaying within the group levels since 1982.
Up towards a Saudi Arabia aspect using excessive on confidence, they held their nerve and floor out a formidable 2-0 victory.
Whereas Robert Lewandowski stole the headlines for scoring his first World Cup aim, Poland’s win would have been not possible with Wojcieh Szczęsny. The Juventus goalkeeper remained defiant within the face of a resurgent Saudi assault. He stopped Salem Aldawsari’s penalty within the first half and pulled off one of many saves of the match in retaining out the rebound that adopted.
He’s the one goalkeeper to have stored two clear sheets within the match to this point. Messi and Co may have their work reduce out towards him.
The stakes are as excessive for Poland as they’re for Argentina. It’s their finest alternative to make it into the knockout levels, a feat they haven’t achieved since 1986.
With one on the precipice of historical past and the opposite on the sting of ignominy, this closing group sport would be the final take a look at of Poland and Argentina’s mettle. As soon as once more, for each side, it is going to be a minimum of a World Cup closing.