The Mexican national team is set to begin its 2022 World Cup journey today against Poland. The squad will be looking to advance from Group C and break its Round of 16 curse this time around. Picking up 3 points in any World Cup game is huge, but its especially big in the first one.
We’ll preview the game and take a look at the betting odds for El Tri’s first World Cup game.
Mexico vs Poland Preview
This game had seemed like it was going to be one that decided who would go through in Group C, but this morning’s action shifted everything. Saudi Arabia shockingly defeated Argentina. It was the turn of events no one expected, and it changes the outlook for this Mexico-Poland match. Now, whoever wins this match will be in the drivers seat to lock up the top spot in the group.
If there’s one thing separating these two teams it’s Mexico squad’s depth. Mexico, led by Hirving Lozano, has a much deeper team. Raul Jimenez, who will be fit enough to play, is part of his national team’s strong attack.
Poland does have a clear advantage at the striker position. Robert Lewandowski is looking to lead his nation to the knockout stage for the first time since 1986. In their last 3 appearances, Poland has failed to reach the round of 16, winning a game and losing 2 in each instance.
Last month, Lewandowski won the Gerd Muller award which is given to the top striker over the prior year. Lewandowski’s goal-scoring talents are off the charts, but he’s yet to score in the World Cup. A critical matchup against Mexico would be the perfect time for the Polish star to change that.
Guillermo Ochoa will be the guy looking to keep the ball out of the net for Mexico. Ochoa has made himself a national hero in previous tournaments. Known for his sensational diving saves, Ochoa, now 37, is likely to need a few more in this year’s tournament if El Tri plan on breaking their Round of 16 curse.
The Mexican national team has managed to make it out of the group stages in 7 consecutive World Cups. Unfortunately for them, they haven’t been able to make it further than that, with the team being eliminated in the Round of 16 each time. Argentina’s loss doesn’t make this game as dire for either team, but picking up 3 points right off the bat is always huge in the World Cup.
Each team will come into the World Cup having won 2 of their last 5 games.
Mexico vs Poland Best Betting Odds/Trends
NY sportsbooks are giving Mexico a better chance to win than Poland. Caesars has the longest odds for a Mexico victory, which are listed at +150. Oddsmakers seem to think there’s a slightly better chance for a draw than a Polish win. DraftKings and BetRivers each have the odds for a tie at +215, which are the longest odds for this result.
BetRivers also have the longest odds for Poland to come away with 3 points, where they currently have a Polish victory listed at +230.
Despite the even nature of this matchup, the books are leaning toward Mexico. This has a lot to do with El Tri’s deeper team and tournament pedigree when compared with the Polish side.
There’s been a significant odds shift in this matchup over the past couple of months. Poland was once only a slight underdog but has seen their odds grow longer as match day approaches. 2 months ago, BetMGM had Poland’s chances to win at +155. They’re now +220. This has a lot to do with Poland’s goalkeeper, Bartlomiej Dragowski’s injury along with the growing hype surrounding the Mexico team.
With Argentina’s loss to Saudi Arabia, the path to winning Group C got a lot easier for Mexico. The group’s odds have shifted drastically over the last few hours.
Mexico’s next matchup will come on November 26th against Argentina in what will surely be an electric atmosphere.
