Grand old time
Veterans messi, Lewandowski face off for knockout spot
TWO of the most intimidating strikers in world football, Argentina’s 35-year-old Lionel Messi and Poland’s 34-year-old Robert Lewandowski, line up against each other today with a last 16 place at stake.
Messi has scored twice in Argentina’s extraordinary start to the campaign, suffering one of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history at the hands of Saudi Arabia before masterminding a euphoric victory over Mexico.
The brilliant Argentine, whose team are one of the tournament favourites, is playing his fifth and final campaign, meaning it is his last chance to match Diego Maradona and lift the trophy for his longing homeland.
“We had to give everyone peace of mind to be able to approach the Poland game in a different way,” Messi said after the extraordinary pressure around the Mexico match.
With Argentina second in Group C on three points, one behind the Poles, they must win to be sure of progressing and keeping alive their dream of a third World Cup title.
A draw would be enough for the South Americans too if Mexico and Saudi Arabia also end level.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni must decide whether to persist with Lautaro Martinez, who has been well covered in the first two games, or go with another striker in Julian Alvarez.
Likewise, has highly rated young midfielder Enzo Fernandez done enough to force his way into the team after a scoring cameo as a substitute against Mexico?
And who will Scaloni pick at fullback, having played a different rightback and leftback in each of Argentina’s games?
Meanwhile, Argentina fans will be wary of the threat of Lewandowski, who rivals France’s Karim Benzema as the best striker in the world.
Like Messi, Lewandowski is also his nation’s all-time top scorer and is on possibly his last mission at a World Cup. He has been in sizzling form for Messi’s old club Barcelona and has also had an eventful start in Qatar.
Lewandowski uncharacteristically missed a penalty in Poland’s opening draw with Mexico before scoring his first ever World Cup goal in their 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
That reduced him to tears. “The older I get, the more emotional I get, and I’m aware that it might be my last World Cup actually,” said Lewandowski
Poland, who have not reached the knockout stage since 1986, will go through with a win or draw against Argentina. — Agencies