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Qatar 2022Day of truth for Argentina on Wednesday’s program
All can pass in group C with Argentina – Poland and Saudi Arabia – Mexico (8 p.m.). In Group D, France face Tunisia and Australia face Denmark (4 p.m.)
Lionel Messi (left) and the Argentinians were smiling on Tuesday in training.
AFP
A multitude of scenarios are possible on this third and final day of Group C, including Mexico qualifying, last with one point, if they beat Saudi Arabia (3 pts) and if on the same day, at the same hour, Poland beat Argentina, which would definitively eliminate the Albiceleste.
Program for Wednesday 30 November
16.00 Tunisia – France (Group D, Matchday 3)
16.00 Australia – Denmark (Group D, Matchday 3)
20.00 Poland – Argentina (Group C, Matchday 3)
20.00 Saudi Arabia – Mexico (Group C, Matchday 3)
This is not the most plausible scenario and there are others, around a classification allowing Poland (4 pts) to settle for a draw against Leo Messi’s Argentina (3 pts). ) to finish ahead… unless at the same time Saudi Arabia beats Mexico.
Another possible scenario, a victory for the Argentines against Poland of Robert Lewandowski would bring them to six points, the total attainable by the Saudis of Hervé Renard if they beat Mexico and therefore qualify for sure, whatever the result of Poland-Argentina.
Likely teams
Poland: Szczesny – Cash, Glik, Kiwior, Bereszynski – Frankowski, Bielik, Krychowiak, Zielinski – Milik, Lewandowski (cap). Selectionneur: Czeslaw Michniewicz.
Argentine: E. Martinez-Montiel, Otamendi, Li. Martínez, Acuna – McAllister, Rodriguez (ou Fernandez), De Paul – Di María La. Martinez, Messi (cap). Selectionneur: Lionel Scaloni.
Saudi Arabia: al Owais – Saud Abdulhamid, al Amri, al Boleahi, al Ghannam – al Oboud, Kanno – al Buraikan, al Najei, al Dawsari – al Shehri. Selectionneur: Hervé Renard.
Mexico: Ochoa – Sanchez, Montes, Moreno, Gallardo – Alvarez, Guardado, Chavez – Lozano – Henry Martin, Vega. Selectionneur: Gerardo Martino.
Group D: three for one place
France is already qualified and the other three teams are still alive in Group D. Only one scenario would allow the Tunisians to see the 2nd round, for sure, the one associating a victory over the Blues, whatever the score, with a draw between Australia and Denmark.
The most complicated scenario would associate a victory for Denmark over Australia, a priori less strong, with a success for Tunisia against the French “substitutes”, which would put the two selections on a par, with four points. In this case, anything is possible.
Both teams are currently at -1 on goal difference, but the Danes have already scored once, the Tunisians not yet. 2nd place can be decided on the goals scored but not on the result of the match already played on Saturday (0-0). It may be necessary to go as far as the fair play classification…
Likely teams
Australia: Ryan – Karacic, Souttar, Rowles, Behich – Leckie, Irvine, Mooy, McGree, Goodwin – Duke. Selectionneur: Graham Arnold.
Denmark: Schmeichel – Andersen, Kjaer, Christensen – Kristensen, Hojbjerg, Eriksen, Maehle – Skov Olsen, Dolberg, Damsgaard. Selector: Kasper Hjulmand
Tunisia: Dahmen – Kechrida, Talbi, Meriah, Maaloul – Chaaleli, Skhiri, Laidouni, Msakni (cap.) – Khazri, Jebali. Selectionneur: Jalel Kadri.
France: Mandanda – Pavard, Varane (cap.), Konaté, Camavinga – Tchouaméni, Fofana – Coman, Griezmann, Mbappé – Thuram. Coach: Didier Deschamps.
(AFP)