2022 World Cup preview [Part 3]: Argentina look solid, Poland and Mexico fight for second place

There are four days left until the biggest gathering in football in the world known as the FIFA World Cup begins and countries like Argentina in Group C will be looking to savor the memory of Mexico City 1986 in Qatar .

Besides the sportspeople who will take part in the competition, an Al Jazeera statistic also predicted that the first World Cup of its kind from November to December will expect a population of more than 1.2 million fans from nooks and corners of the world.

Group C

A serious competitor, regular artists, a wild card and an underdog make up this group. Argentina dominates Mexico, Poland and Saudi Arabia. Mexico and Poland are expected to battle it out for second place, while underdogs Saudi Arabia will look to surprise.

Argentina – The Albiceleste

Argentina will be taking part in their 18th World Cup challenge this year in Qatar and will be looking to win the third title after their last victory in 1986. Besides the United States, Argentina is one of the founding fathers of world Cup. when it started in 1930.

The Albiceleste are not only one of the favorites for the Round of 16 as they have reached the next stage in all but three of their appearances. They were eliminated only three times in the group stage -1958, 1962 and 2002.

This 2022 vintage looks like it has an excellent chance of lifting the trophy for the third time as it arrives in Qatar in enviable form. The Lionel Scaloni-led side's last defeat was against Brazil in the Copa America in July 2019 - more than three years ago.

The South Americans are on a 35-game unbeaten streak and plan to add to that at the World Cup. The last time Argentina were beaten was in the Copa America in 2019 against Brazil. Apart from Messi who is by far their best player; players like Larturo Matinez, Lisandro Martinez and Angel Di Maria will pose a formidable threat to any team.

Fifa Ranking: 3

Player to Watch: Lionel Messi

As he did in 2021 at the Copa America, none other than the incredible Messi will be the inspiration for his side as they chase what will be their greatest triumph. Moreover, it is highly likely that this will be the PSG star's last World Cup. The Argentine star has yet to win the World Cup to equal Diego Maradona's record after winning the Copa America.

Poland – The Eagles

Poland will take part in the World Cup for the ninth time. The European country was lucky in football's biggest event after winning a bronze medal in 1974 and 1982.

The Eagles' path to the World Cup came with the disqualification of Russia, due to the ongoing war after they were runners-up to England to beat Sweden in the final qualifiers .

Coach Czesław Michniewicz has a compact squad that can surprise in Qatar. Apart from Lewandowski's free-scoring extraordinaire, there's the midfield ingenuity of Piotr Zielinski and Nicola Zalewski, who can create out of thin air. They will believe they have at least a chance to qualify for the next round.

FIFA Rating: 26

Player to Watch – Robert Lewandowski

The country's captain, most capped and top scorer, Lewandowski, will be the Eagles' main talisman. Especially in terms of goals.

READ ALSO: 2022 World Cup Preview [Part 2]: Three Lions are favorites, Iran can be a spoiler against USA and Wales Mexico – El Tri

Mexico may not be a world power when it comes to football, but they were among the founding nations of the first World Cup in 1930. They have participated 16 times with their best outing coming in the 1970 and 1986 editions where they reached the quarter-finals.

They weren't very convincing in the qualifiers but no team should rule out these Mexicans coached by Gerardo Martino. old warhorse and captain Héctor Herrera still tackles aggressively in central midfield when he can score goals, especially if Raul Jimenez can get fit in time.

FIFA Ranking; 13

Player to Watch: Hirving Lozano

The hectic Napoli ahead...