The second round of matches in Fifa World Cup Group C take place on Saturday when Poland take on a buoyant Saudi Arabia and shell shocked Argentina clash with Mexico
Odds provided by @BetXchange are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Poland 8/10 Draw 27/10 Saudi Arabia 15/4
Poland
Poland started with a 0-0 draw against Mexico on Tuesday. It was generally a game of few chances but Poland's star striker Lewandowski (my anytime goalscorer pick) did miss a second half penalty. That aside Poland created very little and registered just 1 other attempt on target whilst the corner count ended 6-5 in their favour.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's opening match against Argentina was anything but dull and it provided one of the biggest ever World Cup shocks. Saudi could be backed at 25/1 or so by kick off time and those odds looked fully justified after they fell behind to a 10th minute penalty. Another 3 Argentina “goals” were ruled out for offside and a one sided first half ended 1-0 to Argentina and in truth it could have been 4 or 5.
Early second half goals from Saleh Al Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari turned things around and set up the most unlikely of comebacks. Saudi still had 37 minutes of normal time and an agonizingly long period of injury time to play out but they kept their heads, defended heroically and they now top the group.
The Verdict:
That was a jaw dropping result Saudi Arabia pulled off, they will again have plenty of backing in the stadium and based on the second half display on Tuesday they will fear nobody.
Poland were probably just about second best against Mexico and with Argentina to come this looks like a must win.
I'm really struggling with this one but go with Lewandowski to redeem himself and open the scoring.
Bets: First Goalscorer Lewandowski at 28/10 with BetXchange
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Note, odds are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
Argentina 6/10 Draw 3/1 Mexico 5/1
Argentina:
Lionel Messi put Argentina in front from the penalty spot against Saudi Arabia. They had 69% of possession and 6 of 16 goal attempts were on target but VAR and an inspired opponent saw them fail to add to their tally.
Before the tournament began Argentina were second favourites in the outright betting to win the tournament at around 11/2 and they were 4/10 to top the group.
The results from the opening matches have seen those prices drift to 9/1 and 12/10 respectively.
Mexico
Mexico are regular fixtures in the knockout rounds but defeat here could spell real trouble. They boast huge support and Hirving Lozano of Napoli passed up their better chances against the Poles. They have a very poor record against Argentina although the teams haven't met since 2019.
Verdict:
Mexico will work their socks off and I'm sure they would snap your hand off if offered a draw. However it's needs must for Argentina who's record in qualifying was littered with clean sheets and plenty of goals.
I wouldn't be surprised to see a few cards dished out but the corners market is my preference. I see Argentina having the bulk of possession and I'm hoping that leads to them being awarded 7 or more corners.
Bets: Argentina total corners 7 or more at 16/10 with BetXchange
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