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The Scout: World Cup Matchday 3 Preview, 22 Nov

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Group C – Argentina v Saudi Arabia

Everything is in place for Argentina to be in the mix until the very end, including a very favourable opening fixture. Lionel Messi is the headline act and a supporting cast that includes Lautaro Martinez, Paulo Dybala and Julian Alvarez further highlights their threat.

Saudi Arabia impressed during qualification, losing once in 16 games, but are the second lowest ranked nation in Qatar. They have scored just 4 goals in 9 warm up games and that could be their biggest undoing in a tough Group C.

Argentina will take care of business convincingly.

Group D – Denmark v Tunisia

The feel-good factor around Christian Eriksen’s return to international football will have many rooting for Denmark and they are good enough to progress to the knockout stage. Mikkel Damsgaard and Kasper Dolberg impressed at Euro 2020, while there is a strong spine in the form Kasper Schmeichel, Simon Kjaer, Andreas Christensen, Thomas Delaney and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Tunisia are without household names but can’t be discredited on that basis alone. While it will be tough for them to get out of the group, a point against Denmark would give them a fighting chance. However, the Scandinavians should come out on top here.

Group C – Mexico v Poland

Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa seems to turn into Superman every time the World Cup comes round, and he will need to be at his best facing Poland’s Robert Lewandowski. The striker has 18 goals in 19 games for Barcelona so far this season.

Raul Jimenez represents Mexico’s best goalscoring threat in a squad that is experienced but also the second oldest at the tournament.

There is very little splitting the two sides on paper and a score draw could be on the cards.

Group D – France v Australia

France are without N’golo Kante, Paul Pogba and Karim Benzema for their title defence but still have more than enough attacking quality in Kylian Mbappe, Anotine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud to see off Australia.

Having limped through the Asian qualifiers before beating Peru on penalties to make it to Qatar, Australia have lost key man Martin Boyle to injury. They lack any real stars but could bring an element of surprise to the contest in the form of youngster Garang Kuol.

France remain one of the tournament favourites and will start with a win.

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