On Tuesday morning, Argentina and Saudi Arabia kick off their campaigns in Group C of the World Cup as both teams look for a positive start to the tournament.
Argentina form guideThe Albicelestes will be taking part in their 18th World Cup in Qatar. The South American nation has missed just four of the 22 World Cups and head into the current edition as one of the favourites to lift the trophy. The tournament will be the last chance for veteran superstar Lionel Messi to win add the World Cup to the Copa America won in 2021.
Argentina have been in red-hot form of late, winning their last five international games and scoring at least three goals in each game. Lionel Scaloni’s team has also kept clean sheets in all five of the recent wins.
Saudi Arabia form guideThis will be Saudi Arabia’s sixth World Cup. In truth, they have struggled to make much of an impact in the competition, winning just three of their 16 games at World Cups. Saudi Arabia’s biggest achievement was when they made it to the last 16 in their first appearance in the competition at USA 94’.
Although Herve Renard’s team has won just two of their previous ten international games, a 1-0 defeat last time out against Croatia ended a seven-game unbeaten run. Five of their last eight matches have ended in draws, however.
Incredibly, Saudi Arabia’s last 19 matches have produced under 2.5 goals, with five clean sheets in their previous eight games contributing to the recent low-scoring encounters.
What am I backing?I am backing the Argentina win. However, judging by Saudi Arabia’s recent defensive performances, they may not be easy opponents and could make it difficult for the Albicelestes.
