Argentina have a chance to claim top spot in Group D when they take on Poland in the World Cup on Wednesday

The tournament favourites in the eyes of many shocked the world when they fell to a defeat at the hands of Saudi Arabia in their opening bout in Qatar, but bounced back to earn an eventually comfortable 2-0 win against Mexico.

That three points puts them right on the tails of Poland, who overcame a matchday one goalless stutter against Mexico to see off Saudi Arabia and take an early lead in Group C.

Where are Poland vs Argentina playing?

• Location: Doha, Qatar

• Stadium: Stadium 974

• Date: Wednesday 30 November

• Kick-off time: 19:00 GMT / 14:00 ET / 11:00 PT

Poland team news

Photo: Reuters

Robert Lewandowski finally scored his first ever goal at a World Cup in Poland's win over Saudi Arabia and will be called upon to add more to that tally if his nation are to beat Argentina.

Czeslaw Michniewicz opted to play Arkadiusz Milik alongside Lewandowski against Saudi Arabia, which seemed to do the trick in unlocking their talisman. Escaping the victory without any fresh injury concerns, expect them to proceed again with a similar setup.

Poland predicted lineup vs Argentina

Poland starting 11 (4-4-2): Szczesny; Cash, Glik, Kiwior, Bereszynski; Zielinski, Bielik, Krychowiak, Frankowski; Milik, Lewandowski

Bench: Jedrzejczek, Wieteska, Bednarek, D. Szymanski, Grosicki, Skorupski, Kaminski, Swiderski, Zurkowski, S. Szymanski, Zalewski, Grabara, Piatek, Gumny, Skoras

Argentina team news

Photo: Getty Images

Having heard that Kylian Mbappe had equalled his World Cup goal tally earlier in the day, Lionel Messi just had to score against Mexico to keep himself at the top of the tree. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner underwhelmed until scoring, but will not hope the goal can get his tournament underway properly.

Lionel Scaloni made several changes in Argentina's second game, but they didn't all seem to work as he'd hoped. Some more re-jigging might be required as he tries to figure out his stongest XI.

Argentina predicted lineup vs Poland

Argentina starting 11 (4-4-2): Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Martinez, Acuna; Di Maria, De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Martinez

Bench: Armani, Foyth, Tagliafico, Paredes, Pezzella, Alvarez, Rulli, Romero, Palacios, Correa, Almada, Gomez, Dybala, Rodriguez, Montiel

Match preview

Photo: Getty Images

At the age of 34, Robert Lewandowski finally celebrated his first World Cup goal at the fifth time of asking as Poland secured a 2-0 victory against Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

After missing a penalty in the goalless draw with Mexico, the Barcelona striker redeemed himself when he capitalised on a defensive error to wrap up the points for the Eagles eight minutes from time, after Piotr Zielinski had opened the scoring on the stroke of half time.

Lewandowski said after the match that he has now 'fulfilled his dream' on the biggest international stage, but there is still unfinished business for both himself and his teammates, with Czeslaw Michniewicz's side bidding to reach the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time since 1986.

Poland's strengths at the back have been evident in Qatar, as they are one of only two nations who are yet to concede a goal after their first two group matches at the time of writing. Indeed, the Eagles have now kept a clean sheet in each of their last four internationals.

However, keeping Argentina quiet could prove challenging for Poland, as they have conceded in each of their 11 previous meetings with the two-time world champions. Their last encounter against La Albiceleste was successful, though, as they secured a 2-1 friendly win back in 2011.

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 on from their shock 2-1 defeat against Saudi Arabia, Argentina boosted their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds courtesy of a crucial 2-0 victory against Mexico on Saturday.

After an underwhelming first-half showing, star man Lionel Messi stepped up when it mattered, with the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner breaking the deadlock in the 64th minute with a low-driven strike from outside the area, before setting up Enzo Fernandez in the closing stages to secure their first three points in Group C.

Jubilant scenes were sparked in the dressing room after full time and Lionel Scaloni's men – regarded by many as one of the pre-tournament favourites to go all the way in Qatar – appear to have restored their belief heading into their final group clash with Poland.

Indeed, Argentina could do with claiming maximum points from Saturday's contest with the Poles if they are to avoid finishing second in Group C, which could result in a potentially difficult last-16 tie with holders France, who beat La Albiceleste 4-3 in a thrilling showdown at this stage four years ago.

Argentina, who have progressed to the knockout rounds in 12 of the last 13 World Cup finals, have lost their last two meetings with European nations, both of which were at the 2018 tournament in Russia, when a 3-0 group-stage defeat to Croatia was followed by the aforementioned loss to France in the last 16.

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.

Poland vs Argentina score prediction

Photo: Getty Images

After a dismal showing in matchday one and a performance that wasn't much better in matchday two, Argentina really need to pick up the pace on Wednesday.

With just how much star power they possess and their record coming into the tournament, it's clear to see why so many had earmarked them to go all the way. They've been incredibly slow on the pitch so far, though, and Poland will know better than to leave themselves exposed to the threat of their attacking prowess.

Michniewicz's side haven't been brilliant either, but put in a mature display to break through Saudi Arabia and know that a win here would be huge for their knockout round hopes. That win won't be an easy thing to obtain, though.

Scaloni's men will finally kick into gear.

Prediction: Poland 1-2 Argentina

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