(Football news) Mexico face Poland in what could be a potentially crucial encounter in Group C at the Stadium 974, which is going to be the first temporary venue in World Cup history, having been constructed from 974 recycled shipping containers. Mexico are going into their eighth consecutive World Cup having been eliminated at the last 16 stage in their last seven appearances. Former Argentina boss and player Gerardo Martino is assigned with the task of breaking that cycle in Qatar, having been in charge of the El Tri since January 2019.

The 60-year-old, spent one season with Barcelona before he took charge of Argentina in 2014 but after an unsuccessful spell with La Albiceleste, he became the manager of Mexico. In first season with Mexico Martino guided them to their eighth Gold Cup triumph by beating USA in the final in 2019. El Tri secured their place at the World Cup with a 2-0 win against El Salvador on the final matchday, as they subsequently finished level on points with Canada at the top of CONCACAF qualifying table. Whether they have the talent in their squad to make a serious challenge in reaching the last eight for the first time since hosting the tournament in 1986 remains to be seen, but their fixture against Poland could be crucial in terms of advancing from Group C especially when both the teams have to face Argentina

Poland on the other hand are aiming to progress beyond the group stage for the first time since Mexico '86. Their opening game is against Mexico who are likely the second favourites behind Argentina in the group. The Polish Eagles have fallen at the first hurdle in each of their last three World Cup appearances in 2002, 2006 and 2018 as they have won one match and lost two in each of those editions. The Polish fans want this team to hit the heights of finishing third in 1974 and 1982 but considering their current form before the tournament it looks like a difficult ask

Former Legia Warsaw boss Czeslaw Michniewicz was appointed as head coach this year. He became an instant hero by guiding the Poles to a 2-0 win against Sweden in a qualifying playoff to reach Qatar. In the past decade or so, their hopes of performing well at a major tournament have heavily hinged on the form of legendary forward Robert Lewandowski, who is still yet to score at a World Cup having not scored in all three matches in 2018. The 34-year-old will be aiming to rectify that unwanted record against Mexico and potentially put his nation in the driving seat for second spot in Group C.

Mexico possible starting lineup:
Ochoa; Sanchez, Montes, Moreno, Gallardo; Alvarez, Herrera, Guardado; Lozano, Martin, Vega

Poland possible starting lineup:
Szczesny; Bednarek, Glik, Kiwior; Cash, Krychowiak, Zielinski, Szymanski, Zalewski; Swiderski, Lewandowski

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