Lionel Messi and Argentina hit a roadblock in their start to the 2022 World Cup campaign with a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia which has left their chances to qualify for the round of 16 in jeopardy. Now, to retain any realistic hopes of going through to the next round, they must win their next match and that is against the formidable Mexico. Argentina hadn’t lose a single game under the management of Lionel Scaloni, going unbeaten for 36 matches before their loss to Saudi Arabia and so they are now in uncharted territory at the worst possible time.

Center back Cristian Romero, full backs Nahuel Molina and Nicolás Tagliafico, and midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes seem most at risk. Of course, Messi is going nowhere from the starting lineup, even if he could be deployed differently. Scaloni is sure about one thing, though. “We will not change our style after what happened on Tuesday,” Scaloni said Friday. “We will play the same way.” Argentina’s 36-match unbeaten run ended with the loss to Saudi Arabia, and Scaloni said he was prepared for it.

The surprising Saudis have a chance to prove they are no flash in the pan when they face Poland and Robert Lewandowski, the prolific striker who is still looking for the first World Cup goal of his career. The Barcelona forward missed a penalty in the goalless draw against Mexico.

Defending champions France could book their place in the last 16 if they beat Denmark at Stadium 974, which incorporates shipping containers in its design. The French lost defender Lucas Hernandez to injury in their opening 4-1 win against Australia, adding to a list of absences headed by Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema who limped out of the World Cup before a ball was kicked.

When will Tunisia vs Australia, Poland vs Saudi Arabia, France vs Denmark, Argentina vs Mexico FIFA World Cup 2022 matches take place?

The first three matches will be played on Saturday, November 24 as per Indian timings. The final match of the evening, (Argentina vs Mexico) will take place post-midnight.

Fixture:
Tunisia vs Australia starts at 3.30 PM in India.
Poland vs Saudi Arabia gets underway at 6.30 PM.
France vs Denmark will be played at 9.30 PM
Argentina vs Mexico takes place at 12:30 AM on Sunday.

Venue:
Tunisia vs Australia will be played at Al Janoub Stadium.
Poland vs Saudi Arabia will be held at Education City Stadium.
France vs Denmark will be played at Stadium 974
Argentina vs Mexico will be played at Lusail Stadium.

Tunisia vs Australia, Poland vs Saudi Arabia, France vs Denmark, Argentina vs Mexico FIFA World Cup 2022 matches will be televised on Sports18 and Sports18 HD channels.