So far, the story of the World Cup group stage is the massive upset Saudi Arabia pulled on Argentina in the Group C opener on Tuesday. Now with the lead in the group, the Saudis can continue a miracle run as they take on Poland in the second group game for both teams. Poland missed a vital chance to take all three points against Mexico with a missed penalty in a 0-0 draw.
Saturday’s kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 am ET and will be televised on FS1. These teams have four all-time meetings, all in friendlies and all won by Poland. Saturday’s game will be at Education City Stadium in Doha. Poland are the favorite at -132 on the moneyline at MyBookie, Saudi Arabia is +380, and a draw is +270.
Poland vs. Saudi Arabia Qatar 2022 World Cup
Saudi Arabia Preview
After falling behind early on a Lionel Messi penalty, Saudi Arabia stunned the soccer world on Tuesday. Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari both scored early in the second half as the Saudis ended Argentina’s 38-match unbeaten run.
A win on Saturday will clinch a spot in the final 16 for Saudi Arabia for the first time since 1994, no matter what happens in the Mexico/Argentina game. A draw against the Poles will put them in a good position to qualify as well, but then they will need a positive result against Mexico next week.
All of Saudi Arabia’s players play in the Saudi Professional League, most for Al-Hilal. The goal on Tuesday for Al-Dawsari was his 18th international goal in 72 games, and Al-Shehri now has 11 goals in 21 games for his country. Midfielder Salman Al-Faraj and forward Nawaf Al-Abed both have eight career goals.
The Saudis have absolutely nothing to lose in this game, as they are already playing with house money. Poland will have all the pressure, and it will be interesting to see how aggressively the Saudis play on Saturday.
Poland Preview
Poland played their style on Tuesday against Mexico, but all they got was a 0-0. They let the Mexicans have the possession as they stayed back and went with the counterattack. Poland had only 39% of the possession, but shots on goal were only 4-2 in favor of Mexico.
The big moment for Poland came in the second half when superstar Robert Lewandowski had his penalty kick saved. The Poles lost any momentum they had, but they never conceded a goal either and came away with a point. A result on Saturday is a necessity since Poland will face Argentina in the final group game.
In addition to Lewandowski, Poland needs to get some offense from midfielders Sebastian Szymanski, Piotr Zielinski, and Jakub Kaminski. They also have Juventus forward Arkadiusz Milik to come off the bench, along with forwards Krzystof Piatek and Karol Swiderski.
Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is tough to beat. The Juventus man was big in goal on Tuesday with four saves, and he will set up behind a talented back-four to keep the Saudis from getting another surprise win.
Saudi Arabia v. Poland Betting Preview
With Mexico and Argentina also playing on Saturday, this is a pivotal game for both teams. It is tough to see Poland making it to their first round of 16 since 1986 without getting a win on Saturday. Even a draw will mean the Poles have to beat Argentina and then get some help as well to advance.
With the World Cup based in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia can put their stamp on the group stage with another upset win. They won’t stun the world this time out, but they can show that Tuesday wasn’t a fluke.
MyBookie has over 2.5 goals at +104 and under at -131. The Saudis are +380 moneyline with Poland as -132 favorites, and a draw is +270.
Picks: Poland 1-0, Poland (-132 ML), Under 2.5 goals (-131)
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