The World Cup is one week old, and Qatar 2022 has already delivered a host of upsets, mind-blowing moments, and scintillating strikes.
Now it’s time for Matchday 7, beginning with the Socceroos’ crucial clash with Tunisia. Follow the action from that game in our live blog here.
Then, there are three more thrilling group matches on offer.
Poland faces Saudi Arabia at midnight, before Australia’s Group D rivals France and Denmark do battle at 3am AEDT.
Finally, Argentina look to get their World Cup back on track against Mexico (6am).
Follow all the action from each of those matches in our live blogs below!
Watch the world’s best footballers every week with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. LIVE coverage from Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A, Carabao Cup, EFL & SPFL. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Tilio determined to make WC impact | 03:43
READ MORE
FIFA crackdown on England fans’ ‘offensive’ costumes — World Cup Daily
‘I mean if you’re at an orgy the night before …’: Spain coach’s shock WC sex claim
‘Flooded with sewage’: World Cup fans expose the horrific conditions inside fan villages
England’s ‘baffling’ calls; Poms ‘short of ideas’ in WC wake-up call: UK View
SAUDIS EYE SECOND BIG UPSET
Saudi Arabia fought back from a first-half Lionel Messi penalty to stun Argentina 2-1 in their opening World Cup match, a staggering result which put them top of Group C.
Now, 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, and is desperate to make amends for his three goalless games back in 2018.
There are some concerns that Saudi Arabia may be emotionally drained after their adrenaline-fuelled victory over the South American giants, but their legions of fans who have travelled to neighbouring Qatar should spur them on – knowing a victory will assure them a place in the round of 16.
MORE: Saudi King declares national holiday after minnows’ all-time World Cup upset
MATCH CENTRE: Line-ups, live stats, and more
Follow the action in our live blog below!
CHAMPS TARGET KNOCKOUT BERTH
Then, 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.
But their impressive opening effort was a statement of intent that they are not to be taken likely as they hunt a repeat World Cup title – something only achieved by Italy (1934 and ‘38) and Brazil (1958 and ‘62).
Kylian Mbappe ran riot against Australia, while Olivier Giroud equalled France’s all-time scoring record – and will be hoping to overtake Thierry Henry tonight.
MATCH CENTRE: Line-ups, live stats, and more
Follow the action in our live blog below!
ARGENTINA DESPERATE TO SAVE WORLD CUP
Argentina will seek to save their World Cup skins in Qatar on Saturday when Lionel Messi and his teammates face Mexico in a match they cannot afford to lose.
A stunning 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia has left Argentina, who arrived in Doha on a 36-match unbeaten run and as one of the overall favourites, in a precarious position.
The Argentines said they will draw on memories of superstar Diego Maradona, their 1986 World Cup-winning captain who died two years ago this week, to inspire them against the Mexicans.
“We keep him in mind. He was a very important person in world football, and not just for us Argentines,” said Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez.
“Today is a sad day for everyone and hopefully tomorrow we can give happiness.”
The Argentines know they cannot afford a repeat of their opening match in Group C.
“It was difficult but we’re a united group, a strong group that knows what we want, we know about our opponents, we’ve already overcome many things,” said Martinez, who twice had a goal ruled out for off-side against the Saudis.
MORE: Argentina ‘shambolic’ and ‘dreadful’ in epic upset — but ‘don’t count them out’
MATCH CENTRE: Line-ups, live stats, and more
Follow the action in our live blog below!
