Group C includes Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Poland and Argentina are expected to dominate the group completely bagging 12 points.
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The Qatar 2022 World Cup kicks off on November 20 at the Al Bayt Stadium, with the hosts facing Ecuador in Group A. The tournament was scheduled to begin the following day with Senegal’s match against the Netherlands at Al Thumama Stadium, but Qatar’s game was moved up to allow them to open their home tournament.
Read More: FIFA World Cup 2022: Group B SWOT Analysis
Group C includes Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Poland and Argentina are expected to dominate the group completely. With their form heading into the World Cup, Mexico will aim for second place. However, Poland are a potential threat, and with Lewandowski in their ranks, it could go either way, but it’s a lot of pressure to bear on a single man’s shoulders. In goal, Szczesny will have to step up for his team. Here’s a breakdown of each team’s strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities.
| Countries | Continents |
|---|---|
| Argentina | South America |
| Mexico | North America |
| Poland | Europe |
| Saudi Arabia | Asia |
Strengths – The competitiveness as well as the chemistry in the team and how they bounce each other off their success and know each other’s roles on what is required for the team are the most significant strengths. Argentina, with players like Emi Martinez, Leo Messi, and Rodrigo de Paul, is one of the favourites to win the World Cup under Lionel Scaloni.
Weaknesses – Argentina’s only flaw has been its defensive line. Argentina’s defense has always been vulnerable to flank runs and counter-attacking football. Their high defensive line couldn’t keep up with their speed and was accumulating fouls like it was nothing.
Opportunities – Argentina dominated Italy in the Finalissima, winning 3-0 at Wembley in June. Argentina has a good mix of experience and youth, as well as the Leo Messi factor, which will be crucial. Argentina is going to the World Cup with the intention of winning the trophy; many people in Argentina, as well as around the world, believe that football owes Messi a World Cup.
Threats – Since the advent of the game, one of the most powerful culprits has been expectation. Argentina can’t really fail if little to nothing is expected of them. However, if a lot is desired, the room for disappointment expands and, at times, becomes unavoidable. Argentina’s only major threat is an expectation, as they are expected to win the title.
Strengths – Since the beginning of 2019, the process has been incredible under Gerardo Martinez, and the team is currently ranked 13th in the FIFA World Rankings. Martinez will be on the lookout for changes as he attempts to secure second place in Group C. Mexico always plays with a distinct style of play and formation. Mexico’s tactical side is strong, and the team chemistry contributes to the advantage.
Weaknesses – The execution game and the implementation style under Gerardo Martinez have blown hot and cold. With fantastic wingers, the service isn’t a worry but the finishing will always be a concern. With long injury breaks for Raul Jimenez, it just adds to the worry. The manager making successful substitutions has come under the radar recently and will be looking to change it this time in Qatar 2022.
Opportunities – Gerard Martinez’s men have the most games played for a country in history, 57 games and 17 World Cup appearances, but have yet to win a World Cup. Their best results came in the 1970 and 1986 World Cups when they advanced to the Quarterfinals. The Qatar World Cup in 2022 is an opportunity to go one step further and qualify for the semi-finals.
Threats – Mexico’s most significant threat has to be their form slump leading up to the World Cup. They have only won three of their last eight games and kept a clean sheet in only one of those three.
Strengths – Poland’s main strength is their attack up front, led by the man himself, Robert Lewandowski, and the team are tactically stable and defensively strong and do not crumble under pressure. Zielinski is the best-attacking player and will provide solid support to Lewandowski. With a slew of promising players supporting the Barcelona striker, qualifying for the knockout stage may finally be a possibility.
Weaknesses – Sometimes in life, one’s greatest strength can become one’s biggest flaw. In the past, the team’s over-reliance on Robert Lewandowski has come back to haunt them. But with all the attention comes to pressure, and unfortunately, Lewandowski has not been able to put numbers when donning the national jersey, so he will be looking to change things up this time.
Opportunities – The formidable 3-4-2-1 will take the field for Poland in Group C, and the Robert Lewandowski-led team will have the opportunity to finish second in Group C as Argentina are expected to win the group.
Threats – Poland typically plays less ball control and less possession-dominant football, and the team typically plays from the back and looks to counter-attack at a lower rate, which could backfire and eventually put Poland at risk.
Strengths – Saudi Arabia have been in decent form leading up to the World Cup in Qatar, and their defense is their most potent weapon. Saudi Arabia has kept 12 clean sheets in the qualifying stage and will be hoping to do the same in the group stage.
Weaknesses -Saudi Arabia’s main concern in this year’s FIFA World Cup will be a lack of exposure and experience in Europe’s top leagues as they face mighty teams like Argentina, Mexico, and Poland. Even though they are technically sound and have met expectations, their attack has been inconsistent, with only two goals in their last 11 games.
Opportunities – The Qatar 2022 World Cup could be a big opportunity for Saudi Arabia because their best finish in FIFA World Cups came in 1994 when they reached the Round of 16, and they could rack up wins as they have only lost three of the 18 qualifying games.
Threats – Saudi Arabia, with little experience, are currently ranked 51st in the FIFA Rankings, and when facing teams like Argentina and Mexico, they could pose a threat for heavy defeats and fluctuating goal differentials.
