ARGENTINA
How did they get here?
Argentina qualified with ease, finishing second behind Brazil without losing a game. They and Brazil also played one game fewer than everyone else, with their 5 September meeting last year abandoned in extraordinary circumstances when Brazilian health authorities invaded the pitch, attempting to deport four Argentine players who they claimed had flouted Covid quarantine rules.
Who is their manager?
Former West Ham defender Lionel Scaloni was an assistant to Jorge Sampaoli for the 2018 World Cup psychodrama, but stayed on as caretaker with Pablo Aimar after Sampaoli left. Things clicked when Scaloni stood up and was given the job full-time, and he led Argentina to the 2021 Copa America, their first senior trophy since winning that competition in 1993.
How do they play?
Scaloni has generally favoured a 4-4-2, with Lionel Messi paired in attack with Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez, with midfielders Leandro Paredes and Rodridgo de Paul adept at keeping the ball – both were the two passers in the whole of South American qualification – and link well with the men either side of them, usually Giovanni Lo Celso and Angel Di Maria.
Most encouraging for Argentina is the developing quality of their defence: Emi Martinez of Aston Villa has emerged as the quality goalkeeper they’ve lacked for eons, while Christian Romero is the lynchpin of the defence.
Who is their key player?
It is, of course, Lionel Messi. The team has naturally been built around Messi, as it always has been, but this time the supporting cast seem a more reliable lot. His leadership skills also seem to have developed: where he seemed clammy and almost haunted by the responsibility thrust upon him in Russia, the atmosphere under Scaloni has allowed him to become more assertive and yet more relaxed and, above all, happy.
He is coming into the World Cup in great form and with less mileage in his legs than he would in a regulation summer tournament. Are the stars aligning for the victory to complete the legacy of the greatest career the sport has ever seen?
Who might be their breakout star of this World Cup?
The world hasn’t exactly been sleeping on Julian Alvarez’ talent, given that Manchester City have snapped him up. His impact has been overshadowed by Erling Haaland, but he may get a chance in Qatar to break out into his own spotlight, having made his senior international debut during World Cup qualifying.
Have they got any injury concerns?
Well, eh, Messi has been dealing with a slight achilles issue but all signs are that it isn’t serious enough to jeapordise his World Cup. There are concerns, too, around Christian Romero, who has been out of action with Spurs, while Paolo Dybala is in a race against time, having hurt a thigh muscle taking a penalty for Roma last month.
What are their realistic ambitions?
The realistic ambition is to become world champions for the first time since 1986. Can they do it? Yes. Will they? That remains to be seen.
On one hand, Messi in his twilight is still better than 99% of footballers in their prime, and Argentina are unbeaten in 35 matches, two off the world record in the men’s game.
On the other: the defence has definitely improved, but has that improvement been sufficient to go all the way? There is also one gnawing uncertainty. The advent of the Uefa Nations League has denied the South American sides regular test against the best of Europe in friendly matches, so how battle-hardened are they? A 3-0 Finalissima win over Euros winners Italy at Wembley, however, augurs well.
What should I say if I draw them in the office sweepstake?
‘Messi is in the winter of his career, but a winter World Cup means he should be fresher than he would usually be. This could be the year he wins the only prize he hasn’t yet won.’
SAUDI ARABIA
How did they get here?
The double-group phase qualifying format of the Asian Football Confederation minimises upsets, with six of the top-seven ranked sides prior to qualifying going on to book a spot in Qatar. Saudi Arabia are the lowest-ranked of those sides to progress: they topped their group in the first phase, and then impressively finished ahead of both Japan and Australia in the second phase, meaning they qualified automatically.
Who is their manager?
While Eddie Howe coaches the most expensively-assembled Saudi team, Noted Dreamboat Herve Renard is the national team manager, having taken over in 2019.
Renard led Zambia to a remarkable triumph in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, and then won the tournament again with Ivory Coast in 2015. He had an ill-fated stint with Lille in Ligue Un before returning to international management with Morocco, whom he led to the 2018 World Cup.
They performed respectably – drawing 2-2 with Spain and losing 1-0 to Portugal – but less elegant was the subsequent Cup of Nations. Morocco were among the pre-tournament favorites but were knocked out by Benin, and Renard resigned afterwards, saying he took responsibility.
How do they play?
Renard isn’t averse to a back three/five but he has generally played 4-2-3-1. Expect a little more pragmatism from a side too often on the wrong side of World Cup hammerings. They lost 5-0 to Russia on the opening day of the 2018 World Cup, and were pasted 8-0 by Germany in 2002. (They also remain the only side to concede more than one goal in a World Cup game against Ireland.)
Who is their key player?
Winger Salem Al-Dawsari was their joint-top scorer in qualifying and scored a last-minute winning goal against Egypt at the World Cup four years ago. He has spent almost all of his career at Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, bar a slightly bizarre loan spell with Villarreal before the last World Cup. The Saudi federation struck a deal with La Liga to loan nine players to the Spanish league before the World Cup.
Al-Dawsari joined Villareal and made a single appearance, though it was a memorable one: coming on in a 2-2 draw against Real Madrid. Now 31, Al-Dawsari has matured, having been fined for trying to headbutt a referee in Saudi Arabia seven years ago. He will play off the left, and will be the man Saudi Arabia are most likely to turn to for inspiration in Qatar.
Who might be their breakout star of this World Cup?
All of the Saudi squad play their club football at home, and the curious Erasmus programme for Al-Dawsari and co. didn’t precipitate an exodus of national team players. One player who might yet find suitors abroad, though, is midfielder Sami Al-Najei, an attacking midfielder also capable of playing off the right wing.
Have they got any injury concerns?
There is some worry about Al-Dawsari, as he has spent the weeks leading up to the World Cup recovering from appendix surgery.
What are their realistic ambitions?
Matching the achievement of 1994 and making it into the last-16 is the dream, but not finishing bottom of a tough group is the more attainable goal.
What should I say if I draw them in the office sweepstake?
‘Saudi Arabia should be less brittle than they have been at previous World Cups, but the draw has been unkind…perhaps they will be luckier when they inevitably host the tournament.’
MEXICO
How did they get here?
Goal difference kept Mexico from top spot in the Concacaf table, but they made hard work of qualification for an eighth-straight World Cup. They wobbled badly mid-campaign, losing to the US and Canada, drawing with Costa Rica, and needing late goals to see off Jamaica and Panama. They didn’t win any of their clashes with the US and Canada, and struggled for flow across the whole campaign: the only sides they beat by more than one goal were bottom sides Honduras and El Salvador (twice.) In fact, Raul Jiminez was their top scorer with three goals, and all three were penalties.
Who is their manager?
Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino is in charge of Mexico, who you may remember from such clubs as Barcelona (Spain) and Barcelona (Ecuador). Martino is from Rosario in Argentina, the same hometown as Lionel Messi, who was reportedly instrumental in Martino’s selection as successor to Tito Vilanova at the Camp Nou.
He lasted a season but instantly reunited with Messi as manager of Argentina, but resigned after losing consecutive Copa America finals on penalties. A spell in MLS with Atlanta United followed, and he was appointed as Mexico manager in 2019. His penchant for losing finals has remained, as Mexico were beaten in both the deciders of the Concacaf Nations League final and Gold Cup to the USA. Those defeats exacerbated the residual tensions of the stodgy qualifying campaign, and Martino is not exactly held in high esteem by supporters.
How do they play?
Mexico generally set up in a 4-3-3, with Wolves’ Raul Jimenez the first-choice to lead the line. Injury may deny him and Martino that luxury in Qatar, though.
Who is their key player?
Edson Alvarez swaps between midfield and centre-back for Ajax, but he will play in front of Mexico’s back four in Qatar. His passing range is excellent but his positional sense is most important: he is redolent of his old boss Erik ten Hag’s description of Casemiro as “the cement between the stones.”
Who might be their breakout star of the World Cup?
Mexico were the oldest side to qualify out of Concacaf, and Martino isn’t exactly giving youth its chance at the World Cup. But given the fact injuries may leave Mexico reliant on him in a season he has been overshadowed at Napoli by the brilliance of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen, the world might soon be about to learn a little bit more about the quality of right-sided attacker Hirving Lozano.
Have they any injury concerns?
Plenty. Raul Jiminez is doubtful, and fellow attacker Jesus Corona of Porto has been ruled out. An effort to convince Carlos Vela to come out of retirement has failed, while Javier Hernandez’ fine season in MLS has gone ignored. If Jimenez doesn’t make it, the stand-in may be Rogelio Funes-Mori, whose twin brother Ramiro once played for Everton and represented Argentina.
What are their realistic ambitions?
Mexico are one of the most absurdly consistent sides in World Cup history. They have progressed beyond the group phase at every World Cup held since 1994…and lost in the last-16 at every World Cup held since 1994. Will it be eighth time lucky in Qatar? Their injury list and patchy form makes that prospect unlikely.
What should I say if I draw them in the office sweepstake?
‘Mexico have never won a knockout game in a 32-team World Cup, and it looks like they never will: the 2026 tournament will expand to 48 teams.’
POLAND
How did they get here?
Poland finished second in their qualifying group behind England, and were initially paired with Russia in the semi-finals of the play-offs. Poland said they would refuse to play the game following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which precipitated Uefa and Fifa’s kicking them out of the competition. Poland thus progressed to the play-off final, where they beat Sweden 2-0 to seal a spot in Qatar.
Who is their manager?
Paulo Sousa walked out just before the play-offs to take a job as manager of Flamengo in Brazil (where he has since been sacked.) He has been replaced by former Legia Warsaw and Poland U21 manager Czesław Michniewicz. His contract runs out at the end of this year, with an extension resting on the performance at the World Cup. A former national team U21 manager whose next results are cast as the decisive fact to swing a contract extension? Where have we heard that before?
How do they play?
Don’t expect too many thrills and spills from Poland. They will likely play a 3-5-2-cum-5-3-2 and leave the goalscoring business to You Know Who. He has some fine players around him, though, especially Napoli’s Piotr Zielinski, who is among the most in-form midfielders in Europe right now.
Who is their key player?
Robert Lewandowski’s legacy as one of the greatest Polish players of all time is secure, but how he would like to achieve something tangible with the national team, who haven’t emerged from a World Cup group since 1986. This, you would imagine, is his last chance to do that.
Who might be their breakout star of this World Cup?
Nicola Zalewski has been playing at left wing-back for Poland and has lately softened the blow of the frequent absences of Leonardo Spinazzola at Roma. Jose Mourinho isn’t his only fan: Zalewski recently made the shortlist for the Golden Boy award, recognising young talent across Europe.
Have they any injury concerns?
Nothing too significant thus far, though Brighton midfielder Jakob Muder hasn’t been in contention since suffering an ACL injury earlier this year.
What are their realistic ambitions?
Poland haven’t been to the knockout stages since 1986: that must be their target and the question marks surrounding Mexico offers them the opportunity to do it. With France the most likely to be lying in wait in the last-16, it might be the limit of their ambitions.
What should I say if I draw them in the sweepstake?
‘Everything hinges on whether an unproven coach has the right plan to get the best out of Lewandowski.’
Group C fixtures
Tuesday 22 November
- Argentina vs Saudi Arabia; Lusail Iconic Stadium; kick-off 10am
- Mexico vs Poland; Stadium 974; kick-off 4pm
Saturday 26 November
- Poland vs Saudi Arabia; Education City Stadium; kick-off 1pm
- Argentina vs Mexico; Lusail Iconic Stadium; kick-off 7pm
Wednesday 30 November
- Poland vs Argentina; Stadium 974; kick-off 7pm
- Saudi Arabia vs Mexico; Lusail Iconic Stadium; kick-off 7pm
Read all of our group previews here.
For the latest news coverage on the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022, see here >
In other news: the laws around the breakdown, lineout and offside line have been abolished.
Saracens win then! Him and Barnes are in a league of their own for blinkers.
@David Coyne: get your excuses in early
@David Coyne: Barnes is actually one of the best out there these days.
@Bungee Aky:
Did not expect to see you on here after Jim took your head off the other day ?? Did you Email him and say sorry !! You know he is having a good laugh at you !!
Has not been kind to irish teams so far this year
Not sure who this suits more but I suspect that the more cynical team at the breakdown will be rewarded.
@Jim Demps: suits Sarries I’d say as Garces as red means no offside and free for at rucks
@Conor Sexton: have you watched Leinster recently? Furlong and Fardy haven’t been legal at rucktime in an age. The only ruck I remember furlong staying on his feet for this season was the one he put Cloete on a stretcher at. Saracens are no angels at the ruck but neither are Leinster.
@Jim Demps: I don’t know whether to laugh or to pity you when I see how bitter you are towards Leinster. Read Nietzsche and set yourself free!
@Andrew Hurley: yawn. Not bitter at all, I’ll be supporting them in Newcastle. You going?
@Jim Demps: No, why?
@Andrew Hurley: thought you might make the effort to actually go to a game. You’re a leinster fan right? Or are you just anti munster?I could have pointed out all the finer points of the sport to you that you wouldn’t know having not played it.
@Andrew Hurley:
Ask him if he played ::and to what level since he is making fun of your participation in the game, he is having a go at you.
“The only ruck I remember furlong staying on his feet for this season was the one he put Cloete on a stretcher ” he must have said that at least 10 times over the last Month. Then he says” I’ll be supporting them in Newcastle.” not a chance will he !!
@Jim Demps: I go to plenty of games of rugby dear Jim. You’re such a fanboy, and so typical of a Munster fan (but I don’t think you see why).
Another insult to genuine rugby followers from the powers that be. This guy should have been put out to grass a long time ago. I hope Leinster can cope with Saracens illegal tactics because Garces will let them away with everything.
@Peter O’ Dowd: it’s up to both teams to play the referee. While Saracens have the advantage of already experiencing him and his interpretation of the laws already, the onus is on leinster to figure out what they will and will not be allowed get away with – which was a lot – I’m sure they have the experience to adapt accordingly
@Norris Kevin: fair point and it’s not as if Garces has never refereed any of the Leinster lads before. Stu and Leo will do their homework on the ref and what they need to watch out for!
@Norris Kevin: The ref should be fair and impartial & should apply the laws of rugby. It should not be up to the contestants to figure out what laws the ref will not apply n the day. If Saracens continue to cheat at the breakdown Leinster should take the law into their own hands.
@Locojoe: all very true in theory but referees are human and the laws can be ambiguously interpreted at times (e.g – deliberately weeling a scrum, clearing out etc) All you can ask from a referee is that he applies his interpretation of the laws consistently to both sides. In this day and age, teams prepare for games and also for the ref.
If he referees the final the way he did the semi then the ruck is going to be a free for all again. At least Leinster now have a template to work off and can plan accordingly.
@Eddie Hekenui: He’s a great referee, the best team always wins when he refs. Only Barnes close to him at a world level.
@Andrew Hurley: I’m guessing by that you mean Saracens were the better team and his performance had no impact on the result and if so that would be correct. Saying the best teams always win when he refs is a nonsense statement. The best team tend to win 99% of games. But he has made bad decisions in big games that have cost teams. Ask Gloucester fans for their opinion on him after he cost them a European title last season.
He is a very good referee but like all referee’s they have flaws. He doesn’t take full advantage of the tools at his disposal (namely the touch judges and TMO) and he can let the breakdown turn into a mess.
@Eddie Hekenui: I think he’s excellent and doesn’t try to be the headline in a match (like Barnes years ago and Owens throughout his career). Matches always better to watch when he refs, I think Ge’s an absolute treasure.
Very disappointing! A compensationary token to French Rugby? Could ruin the game as a spectacle as synical play will dominate.
Not good news about Garces, he does not see the offside, Itoge is off most of the time
Ah facksticks, it was going to be hard enough
Irish rugby football fans have to accept that Nigel Owens can’t referee every match involving the national team or a provincial franchise.
@Treaty Bhoy: just as well, Owens has been poor for a while now. While he is decisive he is often factually wrong. Would have preferred Poite or Raynal myself.
@Kevin Colman: Agreed, I don’t rate Owens as a ref either.
It’s just certain elements within Irish rugby football think the sun shines out of “Nigel.” I know he gives the Irish national and provincial sides plenty of decisions so that’s why they idolise him but I think he makes it more about him than the two teams, the stupid attention seeking gags about soccer etc.
@Treaty Bhoy:
I would be very happy with him as my ref, still one of the best in the world. Also Billy would be stopped from all that illegal running over players ::he would stop him from doing that (with a smile on his face)
He let’s a good contest at the breakdown. So we need to be on the sarries ball and commit numbers to defend our own properly. Not overly worried as Sarries dont have an out and out 7 but the do have an effective back row
@Dean Soady:
Players going in off their feet and from the side is a common occurrence in top14 rugby, at least we know what to expect from him and can be prepared
It was always going to be a Frenchman, but I would have preferred to see Poite in charge. Is Raynal injured?
Would you every all stop with your complaining, he’s a consistent ref, it’s up to the teams to play within his approach of the game, and they have plenty of time to get ready, he is not as prone to a howler as other refs are and won’t be the reason any particular team loses the game.
His approach to the breakdown is more lenient than other refs, but he always favors the team with the ball so whoever wins the possession game will also win the penalty count and in a final which will be a super tight affair that is huge.
@Bungee Aky:
Are you OK Bungee Aky ?? Jim is not a nice person and he should not be laughing at you. I don’t agree with you much of the time but you are a Rugby man and that is enough for me !!
Well another Irish side for a roasting – he clearly impressed Saracens
Is there a dictat to referees from the authorities to keep games flowing at any cost? Watching both semi finals I couldn’t help but think that is the case. The rules regarding the breakdown are not being enforced. Side entry, clearing beyond the ruck, offside at the breakdown are not being policed at all. Has there been a rule change or are the ref’s just not policing it anymore? It’s bloody infuriating!