Poland's attacking struggles to continue?
Poland take on Saudi Arabia in a wide open Group C on Saturday in aiming to build on their opening game 0-0 draw with Mexico.
Robert Lewandowski looked extremely nervous, having never scored in a World Cup, and was denied from 12 yards by Guillermo Ochoa in the second half, in what was otherwise a very disappointing attacking display from Czesław Michniewicz’ side.
Saudi Arabia inflicted one of the biggest upsets in the history of the tournament on Argentina, stunning Lionel Messi and co by coming from behind to win 2-1.
Mexico and Poland drawing puts Saudi Arabia in a great position, with a couple draws likely to be enough to seal progression to the knockout stages.
Background
Saudi Arabia’s heroic defending stood out as they held on through massive amounts of added time, not allowing Argentina to create too many clear-cut opportunities before going behind.
There could be a hangover from the emotion of the result and there is a strong chance that key defender Yasser Al Shahrani misses the remainder of the tournament, due to the collision that he suffered with Mohammed Al Owais towards the end of the match.
Poland are not what they were, and may fold in the end to supply Argentina with a get out of jail free card, but they are strong odds on favourites to pick up a crucial three points.
It was something of a bore draw and certainly not an encouraging performance against Mexico, but keeping a clean sheet against a side of Mexico’s style is one positive to take.
Arkadiusz Milik could come into the side from the start to increase the attacking threat they pose, but Saudi Arabia will likely be content to concede possession and allow Poland to try and break them down, while holding a threat on the counter-attack.
Goals?
Unders entices me once again, Saudi Arabia’s position in the group may see them sit back even more and Poland’s matchday one performance suggests they may struggle to make the scoreline comfortable.
Saudi Arabia have only scored more than one goal in one of their last 20 matches, it just happened to be against Argentina.
Poland have scored in seven of ten.
Poland have conceded in six of ten.
Poland have seen both teams score in four of ten.
Poland have seen over 2.5 goals in three of ten.
Saudi Arabia have scored in five of ten.
Saudi Arabia have conceded in five of ten.
Saudi Arabia have seen both teams score in three of ten.
Saudi Arabia have seen over 2.5 goals in one of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
2-0 Poland, fairly comfortable winner.