World Cup 2022 Tipsheet: Three predictions for Tuesday’s games

Tuesday marks the first day that features four matches at Qatar’s World Cup, and here are football expert Joe Crann’s selections for the three early fixtures.

Argentina v Saudi Arabia

Kick-off: 10am Tuesday

Let the Lionel Messi Show begin. Argentina are far more than a one-man team at the moment, as proven by their Copa America victory, but it will still be all eyes on the main man in what is quite possibly his final World Cup.

Unlike Messi’s men, the Saudis haven’t won many matches recently - but they haven’t lost too many either. They have been generally solid at the back under experienced manager Herve Renard, but they were beaten by Croatia in the build-up to the tournament and are massive underdogs for this one.

The Saudi Arabia Falcons have only won three World Cup games in their history, but one of those victories came in their last game as they beat Mo Salah’s Egypt in their final game of the 2018 World Cup. 

An Argentina win to nil will catch the eye of many punters, as will Messi anytime goalscorer. While over 2.5 goals could be an option given that La Albiceleste have scored three or more goals in all of their last five matches.

Prediction: Argentina to win and over 2.5 goals @ 1.76

Denmark v Tunisia

Kick-off: 1pm Tuesday

The Danes are in pretty good shape after beating France 2-0 in their final UEFA Nations League game (they also defeated them 2-1 away from home). However, that was the last time this squad came together and it was back in September.

Boasting the likes of Christian Eriksen, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Thomas Delaney in midfield, Denmark has a strong generation of players right now. But, don’t forget that just a year ago they lost 2-0 to Scotland.

Christian Eriksen (middle): a key part of Denmark's midfield

Tunisia were pasted at the hands of World Cup favourites Brazil a couple of months ago, but before that they kept seven clean sheets in a row and beat both Chile and Japan. Jalel Kadri has an experienced side at his mercy and they won’t be coming to make up numbers, though this is a tough starting point.

Prediction: Denmark to win and under 2.5 goals @ 1.74

Mexico v Poland

Kick-off: 4pm Tuesday

This Mexico side is consistently inconsistent. Their games haven’t produced the same result (win, draw or loss) twice in a row since they won their final two World Cup qualifiers back in March. They lost their final warm-up game against Sweden, which might bode well for this encounter! 

Mexico have got a goal in them - they have scored in five of their last seven matches - but they are up against a Poland side that have recently beaten both Wales and Chile, and also happen to possess the greatest number nine on the planet in Robert Lewandowski.

Now 34 years old, it’s probable that World Cup 2022 could be Lewandowski’s final tournament, and he’ll be itching to go out with a bang by helping his side into the knockouts. A positive result in this game will be key. 

They will be up against World Cup master goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, though – and we’ve all seen how he turns up to these tournaments. 

Prediction: Robert Lewandowski anytime goalscorer @ 2.48 

Tuesday World Cup Predictions

Argentina v Saudi Arabia: Argentina to win and over 2.5 goals @ 1.76
Denmark v Tunisia: Denmark to win and under 2.5 goals @ 1.74
Mexico v Poland: Robert Lewandowski anytime goalscorer @ 2.48