31 gamers, 32 groups and 4 matches per day – it could possibly get a bit overwhelming after the Football World Cup. For the subsequent month, The Indian Express will clear the muddle each morning and hand-pick the largest story of the day.
showcase recreation
Saudi Arabia vs Mexico
12.30 pm (Thursday), Lusail Stadium
In each World Cup since 1994, Mexico has reached the final 16. On the opposite hand, Saudi Arabia has not progressed past the group stage since 1994.
On Wednesday, one thing’s obtained to provide.
The wave of Saudi Arabia’s shock victory over Argentina can nonetheless be felt as Group C approaches its remaining matchday. All 4 groups nonetheless have a shot at qualifying for the Round of 16.
Thank you for supporting us as we speak, we stay up for packing up Lusail Stadium on Wednesday! We’re not completed but! pic.twitter.com/evDyJXb0LX
— Herve Renard (@Herve_Renard_HR) November 26, 2022
To progress, Lionel Messi and Argentina should overcome Poland, the one undefeated staff within the group, who can topple the pool by overturning the Albiceleste. In his shadow, Saudi Arabia will probably be hoping to make historical past by defeating Mexico, which would require a divine intervention to outlive the match.
It could be a daring one to foretell that in a bunch that includes South and North American giants alongside a European middleweight, the Saudis would be the most entertaining and adventurous facet.
Hervé Renard’s males have proven an enormous urge for food for threat: thrilling spectators with their ridiculously excessive protection line, teasing and luring their opponents to cross it, snatching possession after which hitting them on the counter.
If Argentina had scored the proper runs, the state of affairs would have been very completely different as we speak. However, regardless of the disallowed objectives and the fixed menace of Messi repeatedly, Saudi caught to their plan and they need to be given credit score for that.
Renard had coached his protection nicely and his ahead line put fixed stress on Argentina, suffocating them on a damp Doha afternoon. Not many groups would have dared to do that towards title contenders, and on some other day, it may have gone towards them, because it did towards Poland, the place the Saudis loved extra possession, created higher probabilities and Had extra photographs heading in the right direction however nonetheless ended up on the dropping facet.
Still, his excessive press mixed with direct assaults made him a pleasure to observe. After all, it ought to come as no shock that they’ve been so courageous. During their qualifying marketing campaign, Saudi performed in the identical means. Perhaps, their good efficiency within the qualifiers obtained misplaced within the poor build-up to the World Cup.
Now, it stays to be seen whether or not they can work their magic one final time within the group stage after they want it probably the most. Will there be sufficient fuel left within the tank after being dropped on the sphere within the first two matches?
Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia: The largest World Cup shock ever? It’s positively with a shout…
The final three groups to beat Argentina within the World Cup both gained the trophy or reached the ultimate. See you on December 18, Saudi Arabia!#ARGKSA , #FIFA World Cup pic.twitter.com/snepr4tVfW
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) November 22, 2022
This will probably be an thrilling affair for a number of causes. These are two groups with nothing to lose – Mexico’s destiny is just not of their arms, so all they will do is win, and pray that different outcomes favor them; The Saudis weren’t anticipated to try this nicely anyway so no matter they get now will probably be a bonus.
If either side keep on with their respective kinds, will probably be an end-to-end affair. Mexico, as they confirmed towards Argentina, are a facet that likes to assault and have gamers – Raul Jimenez and Alexis Vega – who can beat down the Saudi excessive line. With Mohammed Kanno and Salem Al Dawsari as their key threats, the Saudis will probably be salivating on the prospect of catching the Mexicans in a counter-attack.
Mexico will even be hoping that their good run of reaching the Round of 16 in each version since 1994 doesn’t come to an finish, particularly since they are going to be co-hosting the 2026 version. The Saudis, alternatively, could be eager to begin their bid for the 2030 World Cup by breaking the group-stage jinx and getting into the Round of 16 for the primary time since 1994.
And whatever the end result, the Saudis will hope to finish the group stage the identical means they started – by hypnotizing with their direct, attacking strategy. Mexico will not less than be mesmerized by their stunning away jersey, which they’re anticipated to put on on Wednesday: off-white with crimson stripes, graphically impressed by the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl. If there was a World Cup trophy for greatest jersey, Mexico wouldn’t return dwelling empty-handed.
Other fixtures on the day:
Australia vs Denmark, 8.30 PM, Al Janab Stadium
France vs Tunisia, 8:30 PM, Education City Stadium
Argentina vs Poland 12.30 AM (Thursday) Stadion 974
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
