POLAND – SAUDI ARABIA | Saturday 2pm
It will be difficult for future generations to forget what the Saudi Arabian players managed to pull off in their debut match at Qatar 2022. Guided by their ‘leader’, the globetrotting coach Hervé Renard – who had already contributed to writing memorable stories in the past, such as the African Cup of Nations won with Zambia – the Sons of the Desert achieved a sensational and totally unprecedented feat, coming from behind and beating none other than Messi’s Argentina, one of the main favourites for the final success. A script worthy of a film. It was a match that on paper was already written and instead turned into a sort of psychodrama for Scaloni’s men, surprised by the unprejudiced tactics with which the French coach decided to approach a match that in theory should have seen the Saudis succumb after the first few minutes.
The high defence disoriented the Argentinians, who fell into the offside trap on several occasions. Saudi Arabia did not disband even after the penalty scored by Messi, a goal that could well have cut them off at the knees and started a goleada for the South Americans.
This was not the case and, almost unconcerned about the enormous technical gap between them and the Albiceleste, Renard’s men, first with Al-Shehri and then with Al-Dawsari – these are the names of the two ‘heroes’ – incredibly overturned the result, taking advantage of the only two shots towards the goal defended by Martinez. Three points that now put everything in question in Group C, also taking into account that Poland and Mexico drew 0-0.
At the top of the group standings is therefore the surprising Saudi Arabia – by the way, King Salman proclaimed a national holiday after the triumph over Argentina – followed by the Poles and Mexicans at one point, Scaloni’s troops at zero. So-so debut for Czeslaw Michniewicz’s national team, who continue to pay the price for being little dangerous in attack. Against Mexico, Poland did not shine in the non-possession phase, a problem that had also emerged in recent outings, and shot only twice at goal. It was a debut to forget for their goal scorer Lewandowski, who missed a penalty kick early in the second half and was hypnotised by Mexican goalkeeper Ochoa.
Poland-Saudi Arabia: latest line-up news
Lewandowski misses penalty against Mexico
Michniewicz could return to deploying a double centre forward. Juventus striker Milik, who will most likely go alongside Lewandowski, is therefore warming up. If this move were to be confirmed, Zielinski would move back a few metres: the Napoli midfielder would return to play as a halfback after playing as second forward against the Netherlands. For the rest, the coach would seem to have fairly clear ideas. The only doubt concerns the defence, where the Sampdorian Bereszynski is threatened by Bednarek.
On the other side, Renard will confirm en bloc the formation that did the trick against Argentina. The only change is on the left side of defence, where Al-Burayk will take the place of the injured Al-Shahrani, who underwent surgery on his jaw after a violent clash with his own goalkeeper: for him the World Cup is already over. Instead, Al-Dawsari, by far Saudi Arabia’s most talented player, will again take his place on the left.
The prediction
For Poland this is a match they must win almost at all costs, not least because on the final day they will have to take on a point-hungry Argentina. It is difficult to foresee another miracle for Saudi Arabia, who in any case approach this match with enthusiasm sky-high, great confidence and an enviable physical condition, as seen against the South Americans. It remains to be seen what tactical choice Renard’s team will make this time, considering that the Poles will adopt a decidedly less unscrupulous attitude than Argentina. We believe Poland will eventually come out on top in a more balanced challenge than expected, with both sides likely to score.
Poland-Saudi Arabia
likely line-ups
- POLAND (5-3-2): Szczesny; Cash, Kiwior, Glik, Bednarek, Zalewski; Szymanski, Krychowiak, Zielinski; Lewandowski, Milik.
- SAUDIAN ARABIA (4-3-3): Al-Owais; Abdulhamid, Al-Boleahi, Al Tambakti, Al-Burayk; Al Malki, Kanno, Al-Abed; Al-Buraikan, Al-Shehiri, Al-Dawsari.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1
