With the group stage encounters drawing to a close in the FIFA World Cup 2022, Argentina will battle it out with Group C leaders Poland in a potentially do or die match on Thursday.

Having suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Saudi Arabia, the Latin Americans bounced back with a 2-0 win over Mexico and would look forward to sealing their berth in the round of 16 with a victory over the Poles.

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A draw will not guarantee Argentina a qualification as then a Saudi win could oust them from the event. If the South Americans fail to qualify, the match could be Messi’s last at World Cups.

Having remained unbeaten in the event so far, things are easier for the Poles, who will qualify with either a draw or win. However, with a Saudi win and a loss to Albicelestes, the Poles’ World Cup campaign could come to an abrupt end.

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Here we have a look at the different aspects concerning this critical match up.

Argentina vs Poland: head-to-head

Argentina and Poland have previously faced off in 11 International encounters. Argentina leads with 6 wins while the European side won 3 and 2 games were drawn. The two teams first played an international friendly in 1966, which ended in a  1-1 draw.

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The latest encounter between the two sides was in 2011, which Poland won 2-1. The two will play their third World Cup encounter having won one apiece in the past. Poland beat the Argentines 2-3 in the 1974 World Cup while the Albicelestes took revenge with a 2-0 win enroute to their maiden World Cup triumph in 1978.

Argentina vs Poland: Stats

* With a goal on Thursday, Messi will move to 9 World Cup goals and will Overtake Cristiano Ronaldo on 8.

*Argentina have scored 18 goals so far against Poland.

*Poland have scored 12 goals in the 11 matches with the South Americans.

*All the 11 matches between the two sides have featured goals with a maximum of five goals being scored once (1974 World Cup).

Argentina vs Poland: Predicted lineups, formations

Argentina’s predicted line up:

Messi (c), E. Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico; Fernandez, Paredes, De Paul;  La. Martinez, Di Maria

Formation: 4-3-3

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Poland’s predicted line up:

Lewandowski (c), Szczesny, Cash, Glik, Kiwior, Bereszynski; Zielinski, Krychowiak, Bielik, Frankowski; Milik,

Formation: 4-2-2-2