World Cup Group C: Who needs what?

Poland take on Argentina and Mexico face Saudi Arabia in World Cup Group C matches at 20:00 CET on Wednesday. All four teams still have a chance of qualification.

Poland sit top of the table with four points and a goal difference of +2, Argentina are second with three points and a goal difference of +1, Saudi Arabia sit third with three points and a goal difference of -1 while Mexico are in the worst position as they have just one point and a -2 goal difference.

Poland are in the best position and they need just a draw against Argentina to make the last 16. They would be eliminated if they lose and Saudi Arabia beat Mexico. However, if Poland lose by four goals, they would be eliminated even if Saudi Arabia draw. If Poland lose and Mexico beat Saudi Arabia and make up a four goal differential, they would also be out. In other words, if Poland lose by two, Mexico would have to win by two. To top the group, Poland need to beat Argentina or draw and hope Saudi Arabia do not win. 

Argentina currently sit second and their future lies in their own hands. Victory over Poland will see them progress to the knockout stages. A draw will be enough if Saudi Arabia fail to beat Mexico providing the Mexicans do not win by four goals. If Argentina lose, they are eliminated. In order to top the group, Argentina must beat Poland and hope Saudi Arabia do not win by three more goals than them. 

Saudi Arabia are third and have qualification in their own hands. If they defeat Mexico, they are through. A draw would suffice if Argentina lose by any margin or if Poland lose by four goals. If Saudi Arabia lose, they are out. To top the group, they must beat Mexico and hope Poland versus Argentina ends in a draw or defeat Mexico by three more goals than what Argentina beat Poland by. 

Mexico are bottom and in the worst position. They must beat Saudi Arabia to stand a chance of going through. If Argentina lose, Mexico will progress with any victory. If Argentina draw, Mexico must win by four goals and if Argentina win, Mexico need to overturn a four goal differential with Poland to qualify at their expense. In other words, If Poland lose by two, Mexico must win by two. Mexico are unable to top the group. 

While you sit back and enjoy the matches, why not have a bet? Betway has odds of 1.50 for Argentina to beat Poland while Mexico are the favourites to win against Saudi Arabia with odds of 1.70, proof that the bookies believe that Argentina and either Poland or Mexico will progress.