After a 28-year wait, Argentina ended its title drought by winning the 2021 Copa America championship and now the south American giants get to Qatar seeking their first World Cup trophy in 36 years.
Argentina is one of the most successful national teams in the world having won two World Cups in 1978 and 1986. They have been runners-up on three occasions in 1930, 1990, and 2014.
On the other hand, Saudi Arabia will get to this competition as one of the most experienced teams from their region, with a mammoth task, trying to qualify out of the group stage for the first time since 1994.
However, they have a good coach in Herve Renard who is well-versed in going into tournaments as underdogs at the international level.
Saudi Arabia is competing in their sixth FIFA world cup having made their debut in 1994 when they reached the last 16 in the USA. They have failed to reach those heights since, existing at the Group stage.
Head-to-Head
The two teams haven’t played each other at the FIFA World Cup but they have met in other international competitions such as the FIFA Confederation Cup and Gold Cup.
They have played each other four times in the past with Argentina going unbeaten in all of them, winning twice.
Current Form
Argentina won their last friendly game against UAE 0-5 and they managed to score 18 goals in their previous games and only conceded once.
Saudi Arabia lost their previous game against Croatia 1-0, and they will be hoping to get a positive result against the South American Champions.
Players to watch
Aging but still one of the best players in the world, Lionel Messi will lead Argentina in his fifth world cup, with the likes of Lautaro Martinez, and Di Maria expected to step up and help the team.
On the other hand, the Green Falcons will be banking on Salem Al Dawsari to lead the team as well as the likes of Salman Al Faraj and Saleh Al Shehri.
Betting tip and Odds
