Poland – Saudi Arabia

European team to draw conclusions from Argentina’s first-round defeat

The first leg of Group C, if not a turnaround, certainly threw the main favourites into disarray. Argentina, who were considered as the favourites to win the World Cup, lost their first game to the group's main underdog. The result left Mexico and Poland puzzled, as the two teams were both trying to win in their head-to-head encounter but were taking few chances. Before the second round Argentina remains the favourite of the group, but the odds for their success have been considerably corrected: 1.55 for group exit, 2.60 for first place. Saudi Arabia are offered as the runner-up: 1.90 for group exit, 3.50 for first place. Mexico and Poland are now ranked below the Saudis, and the Poles are even regarded as outsiders. Poland need only win their second-round game to rid themselves of this status. In the third round, Lewandowski and company will take on a fully motivated Argentina, which does not bode well for them. Therefore, the Poles must not only win, but also ensure that they keep a decent goal difference in case they score the same amount of points as Mexico. Against North America, the European side could have won, but Lewandowski sent off a penalty corner midway through the second half. Overall, Poland looked inferior to Mexico, with fewer chances of scoring. After their triumph against Argentina, Saudi Arabia will find it mentally tough to come together against Poland. Despite their insane desire to win and fight in every area of the pitch with Messi and company, it should not be forgotten that the Saudi team is made up of mid-table players. Saudi Arabia also lost Yasser al-Shahrani in their opening game, breaking his cheekbone in a collision with their own goalkeeper. The plan for the game against the Poles is likely to be about the same for the nominal visitors, but the opposing players will be much more focused than the Argentines were a few days ago. The Saudis will not win their second game so we should expect a win for Poland.