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2022 World Cup | Argentina facing elimination against Mexico after Poland’s win over Saudi Arabia

Lionel Messi and co. have their backs against the wall tonight as Saudi Arabia’s head-to-head tiebreaker from their shock opening win puts them in the drivers seat

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There are very few around the world that would have thought South American powerhouse Argentina would be facing elimination going into the second round of group stage fixtures at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but that is the reality at hand for Lionel Messi and company as La Albiceleste are still reeling after their 2-1 shock opening loss to Saudi Arabia.

In what was meant to be a potential swansong for one of the greatest players to ever grace a football pitch, Lionel Scaloni’s vaunted outfit came into the tournament on the back of a 36-match undefeated run that lasted for over three years.

No one would have ever expected aṣ-Ṣuqūr Al-ʿArabiyyah to pull off one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history four days ago at Lusail Iconic Stadium, which now puts Argentina’s back against the wall tonight against a tricky Mexico outfit that can consign Messi to an embarrassing exit from the international stage.

Many felt as though Argentina would have been a shoo-in for the knockout stage while Poland and Mexico would have been made to fight for second in the group, and no one gave Saudi Arabia hope or a prayer to take even a point out of group play.

Poland’s 2-0 win over Hervé Renard’s men sees them top the group at the time of writing, with Saudi Arabia sitting second. Not only are Argentine facing elimination, but they cannot count on a Mexico outfit lacking in motivation as their World Cup dreams also hang in the balance.

Should Argentina win, Mexico would not be eliminated but their task would be immeasurably harder given the circumstances. Should that transpire, Mexico would then have to beat Saudi Arabia on the final day of group play while also hoping for either a Poland win over Argentina or an Argentina win that would then see matters come down to goal difference.

Read below for more from the 2022 World Cup

Match Report | Robert Lewandowski bags his first World Cup goal in 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia

England handed a game-changing boost ahead of Wales clash

Cristiano Ronaldo dubbed ‘total genius’ by FIFA for act during Portugal’s clash with Ghana

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Andrew Thompson

US-based Football writer. German football guru with a wealth of experience in youth development and analysis. Data aficionado. Happily championing the notion that Americans have a knowledgeable voice in the beautiful game.

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