Argentina face Jordan in the final round of Group J at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Having topped a group stage dominated by Lionel Messi, the world champions are already through to the last 32.
After beating Algeria via a Messi hat-trick in the opener, Argentina won their second match against Austria thanks to two more Messi goals, with which the legendary forward overtook Miroslav Klose's World Cup scoring record. Having sealed top spot with three wins from three, Lionel Scaloni's side are tipped to face Uruguay or Cabo Verde in the next round.
Jordan, meanwhile, are yet to take a point on their World Cup debut, though they have scored in both games. Beaten 3-1 in their first match and then 2-1 by Algeria, Jordan were eliminated with a game to spare on the head-to-head tiebreaker. Even so, Al-Nashama aim to end their first World Cup on a high at the home of the Dallas Cowboys.
The balance of power is one-sided. World No. 1 Argentina come up against tournament debutants Jordan, ranked 63rd. Although Argentina are expected to rotate heavily and may even leave Messi out of the XI, the gulf in quality is clear. Sports Illustrated's prediction: 0-2 Argentina.
The 39-year-old Messi, who began the tournament carrying an injury, could be given a rest; the star, top of the scoring charts with five goals, is one of several key players who might sit out. Cristian Romero, who suffered a minor knee issue against Austria, will not be risked; Nicolás Otamendi will step in to partner Lisandro Martínez in central defense. Julián Álvarez, limited in the first two games by an ankle injury, could make his first start of the tournament. Nico González may operate up front if Messi is rested.
For Jordan, despite their elimination, the back three/five used against Algeria is expected to remain. Ali Olwan, who scored his country's first-ever World Cup goal against Austria, leads the line again, one goal short of the all-time record of 31. Captain Ihsan Haddad will earn his 95th international cap.
Predicted lineups:
Jordan (3-4-3): Abulaila; Al-Arab, Nasib, Abu Dahab; Haddad, Al-Rashdan, Al-Rawabdeh, Abu Taha; Al-Tamari, Olwan, Al-Mardi.
Argentina (4-4-2): E. Martínez; Montiel, Otamendi, L. Martínez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Fernández, Almada; González, Alvarez.
Image: Sports Illustrated
Tuna Başkan
Marmara Üniversitesi İşletme bölümü öğrencisiyim. Victorum News bünyesinde küresel spor medyası, güncel gündem ve SEO odaklı içerikleri yöneten bir haber yazarıyım. Önceliğim, okura en hızlı şekilde ve daima teyit edilmiş haber ulaştırmaktır. İşletme eğitimimden gelen bakış açımı dijital habercilikle birleştirerek, ürettiğim her içeriğe hız ve güvenilirliği bir arada kazandırmayı hedefliyorum.
Discuss this in Forum
Join the conversation with thousands of sports fans. Share your opinion, predict the results, and earn reputation points!
forum Comments (0)
No results found
