Qatar 2022: Argentina to Potentially Face France in Last 16 as A Result of Saudi Arabia Defeat

• Argentina could be set for a nightmare fixture in the round of 16 should they get past the group stage.
• Lionel Scaloni’s side succumbed to a shock 2-1 defeat to underdogs Saudi Arabia in the opening clash
• If Argentina finish second in their group, they could face defending champions France in the last 16

Argentina could potentially face current World Champions France in the last 16 of the World Cup as a result of their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia.

La Albiceleste were initially considered heavy favourites to top Group C, which also has Poland and Mexico.

But the 2-1 defeat on Tuesday, November 22 puts Lionel Scaloni’s side in a tricky position, as they now have to get maximum points against their remaining two group opponents to boost their chances of topping their group.

Otherwise, two things could happen if the South American nation does not record a positive result; elimination or a runner-up finish in Group C., as per Daily Mail.

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If the latter happens, Argentina could come up against France in the last 16 if Didier Deschamps's side wins their own group.

France is in Group D along with Denmark Tunisia and Australia, who were defeated 4-1 on Tuesday.

Les Blues on course to top their group

As things stand, there is a high chance France are on course to emerge as group winners in their group while for Argentina, it is out of their hands as they will have to rely on other results going in their favour.

If France and Argentina end up facing each other, it will be for the second World Cup in a row.

Four years ago, France clashed with Argentina and it was Les Blues who emerged on top thanks to a Kylian Mbappe masterclass

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Martinez's offside goal

Sports Brief also earlier reported on new evidence which suggested Lautaro Martinez's offside goal should have stood against Saudi Arabia.

Martinez chipped the ball over Saudi Arabia's goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais, but after a long review, the goal was chalked off for offside.

In a set of photographs presented by Flashscore, VAR appeared not to look at Saudi Arabia's fullback Yasser Alshahrani who kept Martinez onside. Messi was the one who was clearly offside but did not interfere with the play.