QATAR 2022 looks like Lionel Messi’s last dance and all eyes will be on the world’s greatest player as he tries to lead Argentina to glory.
Messi finally got the monkey off his back at international level when he skippered the Argentines to victory at the last Copa America.
Now he will be looking to follow in Diego Maradona’s footsteps by lifting the World Cup and his side are heavy favourites to finish top of Group C.
It promises to be an intriguing section with Saudi Arabia looking to cause a few shocks at the first Arab World Cup.
But it would be a surprise if the Saudis avoided finishing bottom of a tough group that also contains Mexico and Robert Lewandowski’s Poland.
Argentina
The World Cup has provided plenty of pain for Argentina since Maradona inspired them to glory in 1986, with the Germans beating them in two finals.
But the South Americans are one of the favourites to lift the trophy in Qatar with Messi backed by an impressive supporting cast that includes Lautaro Martinez and Angel Di Maria.
Lionel Scaloni’s settled side have gone 35 games unbeaten and made a serious statement of intent by thrashing European champions Italy 3-0 at Wembley in the Finalissima last summer.
With Messi looking back to his old self at PSG this season it bodes well for Argentina and their talisman.
Mexico
The last 16 has been Mexico’s class ceiling for seven World Cups in a row but Gerardo Martino will be urging his players to smash through that in Qatar.
Getting through the group stage hasn’t been a problem for the Mexicans but they’ve repeatedly fallen at the first hurdle in the knockouts.
Former Barcelona boss Martino has some talented players at his disposal but heads to these finals with the heat on after some unconvincing performances.
Three defeats in a row to America last year piled on the pressure but Martino will be hoping the likes of Alexis Vega and Hirving Lozano will come alive on the biggest stage.
Poland
Messi isn’t the only big name looking to make an impact at his last World Cup as Polish talisman Lewandowski bids to sign off in style.
At 34, this could be Lewandowski’s last hurrah at international level and Poland will lean heavily on the Barcelona star once more.
They are far from a one-man team though, with Piotr Zielinski impressing for in-form Napoli and Sebastian Szymanski making an impact for Feyenoord.
The Poles haven’t progressed past the group stage since 1986 but this squad possesses the firepower to change that.
Saudi Arabia
Few people expect the Saudis to make much of an impact in Qatar but they need to be respected after finishing ahead of Japan and Australia in Asian qualifying.
Herve Renard’s side lost just one of their 10 qualifiers and the French coach has World Cup experience after managing Morocco at Russia 2018.
All of his players are based in Saudi Arabia so the Green Falcons are something of an unknown quantity.
But Saleh Al-Shehri caught the eye with four goals in qualifying while Salem al-Dawsari will provide the creativity on the wing.
Group C Betting Tips
- Argentina and Poland to qualify (1/1, Highbet)
- Saudi Arabia to lose all their games (11/5, Highbet).
What are your predictions for this year's World Cup Group C? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
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I'm a sports journalist, football tipster and author from Dundee, who is now working in Glasgow. I've covered games at every level, from Junior football to internationals, and still love football even though it has clearly sold its soul. I've been in football tipping since 2018 with the MFT site.
