From the “possible dream” to the “road of death”: what Argentina’s routes would look like if it finished first or second

victory over Mexico after a painful first half in which the Argentine players seemed to be prisoners of the enormous pressure that fell on their shoulders after their failed debut, the national team faces the match against Poland with a little more air, knowing that the draw could serve to go through. The obligation to add by three is not total.

However, already thinking about a possible passage of the round of 16, a victory against Lewandowski’s men will be essential to avoid France, the reigning world champion who, barring a football “miracle”, will qualify as first in the group. Led by Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann, Didier Deschamps’ men are among the main candidates for the title.

If Argentina beat Poland, they will also qualify in first place, unless Saudi beat Mexico, and they will fall on the opposite side of the board to France, thus avoiding meeting the defending champion until a hypothetical final. Australia (needs a draw) or Denmarkhand in hand for the standings, they will meet Scaleneta next Saturday, December 3rd.

In the case of retaining first place in Group C and beating the Australians or Danes in the Round of 16, the Netherlands or Iran/USA appeared in the quarter-finals, while England would play as runners-up in the group, vice-champion of Europe and semi-finalist at the last World Cup. On that side also Ecuador or Senegal. Again, what is convenient is clear.

In the semifinals, if Lionel Scaloni’s men manage to overcome those first two knockout rounds, then another of the main contenders for the awaited trophy would cross Argentina’s path: Brazil. Instead, if Poland takes points from Argentina, the national team’s possible rivals in the semifinals would be Germany or Portugal.

Will there be a South American superclassic for a place in the world final? Spain or Uruguay (if they beat Ghana and untie their group) could hinder the plans of those led by Tité. Or will the geniuses of these times, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, come face to face in that case? There is still a long way to go.

Even if it seems ambitious, You can also imagine a possible opponent in the grand final on December 18 at the Lusail stadiumBecause dreaming costs nothing. France, Germany, England or Portugal, in case of victory against Poland and first in the group, Brazil or Spain if the national team finishes second.

The Argentine route in Qatar 2022

If they qualify and make it as the first group:

• Round of 16: Australia or Denmark.
• Quarter-finals: Netherlands or Iran/Netherlands.
• Semifinals: Brazil or Spain.
• Final: France, England, Germany or Portugal.

If you rank according to:

• Round of 16: France.
• Quarter-finals: England.
• Semi-finals: Germany or Portugal.
• Final: Brazil or Spain.