Neymar's Brazil or Ronaldo's Portugal have confirmed the last sixteen with one match in hand. In addition, the current champion France has already booked the Super Sixteen ticket as the first team. The eyes of fans and supporters are now on Argentina. There seems to be no end to the curiosity about how they will be able to make it to the last sixteen. Messi-Di Maria will take the field in a do-or-die match against Poland on Wednesday (November 30).
Argentina, who went to the edge of the abyss after losing to Saudi Arabia, turned around in the last match. The blue and whites kept their hopes of the World Cup alive by defeating Mexico 2-0 with the magic performance of the magician Messi. But the final sixteen is still not guaranteed. The two-time world champions play their final group game against Poland on Wednesday.
At the same time, Saudi Arabia and Mexico will face each other in Lusail. No team from Group C has yet qualified for the last sixteen. On this day it will be determined who will go to the knockout. For now, Poland is at the top with 4 points after two matches. Argentina is in second place with three points. Even with the same number of points, Saudi Arabia is third behind on goal difference. Mexico is last with only one point.
36 years of waiting for the golden trophy. Football wizard Lionel Messi is going to play his last World Cup. There are many occasions to paint the wings of Albiceleste in the desert. Stumbled in the first match a bit haphazard in the beginning. But fate is still in their own hands.
A win against Poland on Wednesday is the only option if Messi are to avoid any complications in topping the group stage. That means the fate of the last sixteen is still in their hands. But if you lose, doomsday, the blue-and-white is sure to leave.
Even if they draw against Poland, Argentina has a chance to reach the knockout stage. In that case their points will be 4. Argentinians will hope that Saudi Arabia does not lose to Mexico after drawing with the Poles. If Argentina draw and Saudi Arabia win, then Argentina is eliminated. Poland and Saudi will get tickets to the last sixteen.
If somehow Argentina and Mexico or Saudi Arabia are tied on points, then goal difference will be considered first, then goal tally. In that case, if the points of Argentina and Saudi Arabia are 4, the Argentines will go to the last sixteen as they are leading by goal difference.
However, if Mexico wins after Argentina's draw, the points of both teams will be equal to 4. In that case, if the Mexicans win by 1 or two goals, Argentina will finish the group stage as second and Mexico will be third. If Mexico wins by three goals, the group will be decided on goal difference, if that is still not settled, goals will be taken into account. And if they win by four goals, Mexico will leave behind Argentina and go to the knockout stage.
There are more equations. However, Messi will want to go to the second stage by winning directly. The Argentine captain has already given that hint, "For us, every match is a final."
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