Lionel Messi returns to the World Cup for a fifth try at lastly successful soccer’s largest prize. He’ll even be hoping to make historical past with Argentina.
The Argentines are among the many favorites to win in Qatar and victory would fill the one gaping gap in his resume. However a win or a draw Tuesday in opposition to Saudi Arabia, one of many weakest groups within the event, would give Argentina a record-tying consequence.
Argentina arrived in Qatar on a 36-match unbeaten streak, one shy of tying Italy’s file in worldwide males’s soccer, set from 2018-21. Argentina has not misplaced since falling to Brazil 2-0 within the 2019 Copa América. Argentina first gained the World Cup in 1978, after which once more in 1986 — one yr earlier than Messi was born. The group reached the ultimate in 2014 and misplaced to Germany, and in a bitter follow-up 4 years later was eradicated within the spherical of 16 in Russia.
Messi, in the meantime, is one in all 4 gamers making their fifth World Cup look. He joins Portugal ahead Cristiano Ronaldo, and Mexico teammates Guillermo Ochoa and Andrés Guardado.
Saudi Arabia was eradicated within the first spherical in 2018, opening with a 5-0 loss to host Russia. In a troublesome Group C that features Mexico and Poland, the Saudis will likely be making an attempt to advance out of the group stage for under the second time, after 1994. The group has gained two of its final 10 matches.
#Qatar2022 ¡Comienza el sueño mundialista!
🗓 Grupo C – Fecha 1⚽️ @Argentina 🇦🇷 – #ArabiaSaudita 🇸🇦🕗 7.00🏟️ Lusail👨⚖️ Slavko Vincic (Eslovenia)📝 https://t.co/6e14eEbunm pic.twitter.com/5aFthvDB4b
— Selección Argentina 🇦🇷 (@Argentina) November 22, 2022
DEFENDING CHAMPS
Defending champion France opens play Tuesday in opposition to Australia in a rematch from 4 years in the past. France gained 2-1 in Russia when Paul Pogba’s shot within the 81st minute deflected in off a defender for an own-goal. Pogba is just not within the squad following knee surgical procedure, and France can also be down one other two stars with N’Golo Kante and Karim Benzema sidelined.
France does anticipate defender Raphael Varane to play following a hamstring harm he picked up in October.
Kylian Mbappé is able to lead France to back-to-back titles. He was solely 19 when he scored within the closing and helped France win the World Cup 4 years in the past. With 28 worldwide targets, Mbappé desires so as to add to his depend within the Group D opener.
Footage of les Bleus’ first coaching train final night time #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/qEvbnpI2aN
— French Crew ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) November 20, 2022
Nevertheless, France arrived in Qatar with just one win in its final six video games.
Australia barely made the World Cup subject and wanted a dramatic penalty shootout win over Peru within the playoffs. The Socceroos have been eradicated from the group stage in 4 of 5 earlier appearances.
OTHER GAMES
Mexico faces Poland, whereas Denmark performs Tunisia on the primary of 11 consecutive days during which 4 video games are performed every day.
Poland superior to the World Cup behind striker Robert Lewandowski, who scored 9 targets with 4 assists in qualifying. His 13 direct-goal involvements had been twice as many as any teammate.
He’s by no means scored within the World Cup, although, as Poland completed final in its group in 2018. The Barcelona striker is raring to search out the online in Qatar.
“I take into consideration the final World Cup for positive,” Lewandowski stated. “To attain at a World Cup could be an enormous dream and I’m going to do all the pieces for this dream. I hope on this World Cup it should occur. I’m glad for all the pieces I’ve achieved and these recollections for the World Cup, so now could be the time to take pleasure in.” Poland final superior out of group stage in 1986.
Mexico, in the meantime, has superior out of group play in every of its previous eight appearances, final failing to maneuver on in 1978. The nationwide group has additionally gained its opening match in 5 of its previous six World Cups.
Christian Eriksen figures to play for Denmark in opposition to Tunisia, 17 months after he was revived on the sector through the European Championship.
The Manchester United midfielder’s presence will likely be inspirational for Denmark, which sailed by its World Cup qualifying group by successful its first 9 video games — with clear sheets by the primary eight.
Tunisia has been sturdy at holding video games tight however its World Cup file isn’t nice: Tunisia has misplaced 60% of its World Cup video games (9 out of 15), trailing solely Saudi Arabia and Australia.
OUTSIDE CHAOS
The primary few days of the World Cup have been been marred by logistical snags, the most recent on Monday when followers complained their tickets to the England-Iran match had vanished from their cell FIFA utility.
Lengthy traces grew exterior the Khalifa Worldwide Stadium about an hour earlier than kickoff with followers livid they may not get inside.
The night time earlier than, the official fan zone rapidly turned overcrowded through the opening match between host nation Qatar and Ecuador. Tens of 1000’s of followers pushed and shoved in opposition to police traces to enter the venue, one of many few locations the place followers may buy beer and watch the sport.
DAVIES UPDATE
Canada coach John Herdman is anticipated to offer a medical replace on Tuesday relating to Alphonso Davies, who arrived in Qatar final week after receiving therapy on a hamstring pressure he picked up this month whereas taking part in for Bayern Munich.
Alphonso Davies (Reuters)
Bayern has stated Davies’ participation in Qatar was “not in danger,” however he has not performed because the Nov. 5 harm.
“My mission is to ensure he performs at this World Cup, it’s a childhood dream for him,” Herdman stated. “And to not put him ready the place he’s unsafe.” Learn up on all 32 groups taking part in on the World Cup.