Robert Lewandowski, who is 34 years old, finally celebrated his first World Cup goal on Saturday as Poland defeated Saudi Arabia 2-0. It took him five tries.
After missing a penalty in the scoreless draw with Mexico, the Barcelona forward earned himself a point for the Eagles eight minutes from time when he took advantage of a mistake by the defence to put the game away. Piotr Zielinski had given the Eagles the lead on the cusp of halftime.
Lewandowski claimed following the game that he had now “fulfilled his dream” on the largest international stage, but that he and his teammates still had work to do as Czeslaw Michniewicz’s team sought to advance to the World Cup’s round of 16 for the first time since 1986.
Victory for Poland on Wednesday would secure top spot in Group C and guarantee their place in the last 16, while a draw could also be enough to finish at the summit if Saudi Arabia fail to beat Mexico. However, defeat will end their World Cup journey if Saudi Arabia claim maximum points.
Four days after their unexpected 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia, Argentina improved their chances of moving on to the knockout stages with a crucial 2-0 victory over Mexico on Saturday.
After a lacklustre first half, star player Lionel Messi came through when it counted. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner scored the game’s first goal in the 64th minute with a low drive from outside the penalty area and then set up Enzo Fernandez for the game’s final goal to give Argentina their first three points in Group C.
After the match, jubilant scenes broke out in the locker room, and Lionel Scaloni’s team—one of the pre-tournament favourites to win it all in Qatar—seems to have recovered their confidence going into their final group.
In fact, Argentina could use all three points from their match against Poland on Saturday if they want to avoid finishing second in Group C, which could force them into a challenging last-16 matchup with holders France, who defeated La Albiceleste 4-3 in a thrilling matchup at the same stage four years ago.
Argentina will finish at the summit of Group C and qualify for the knockout rounds if they secure all three points against Poland, and if Saudi Arabia fail to beat Mexico by a larger margin than Scaloni’s side. A draw, meanwhile, could be enough for them to progress in second place if Saudi Arabia fail to win.
1×2 Betting Odds
Coming off fresh from a reviving victory against Mexico, Argentina are the favourites to win this one with odds @ 1.51.
Poland on the other hand come into this context as the underdogs with odds @ 8.3. But we are sure all the Poland fans would be hoping that Lewandowski can pull off something magical.
The chances of a stalemate stand @ 4.2
With the likely prospect of facing world champions France in the last 16 should either nation finish second in Group C, Poland and Argentina will both be determined to come out on the winning side on Wednesday.
Total goals over/under
The odds that the total number of goals score will be over 2.5, stands @ 2.03.
While the odds that the total number of goals will be under 2.5, stands @ 1.73.
So the market expects Argentina to close the deal, but also recognizes that it could be a tight match!
