Reigning World champions, France will lock horns with Poland in the round 16 of the World Cup at the Al Thumama stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Both teams ended their final group games with defeats, France lost 1:0 to Tunisia, whereas Poland succumbed to a 2:0 lost to Argentina.
Les Bleus topped Group D with six points on goal scored, meanwhile Poland secured the second place in Group C with two points behind leaders Argentina, who finished with six points.
France were humbled by Tunisia through captain Wahbi Khazri's winner, but Didier Deschamps made a lot of changes to the team that secured the first spot at the knockout after just two games, making nine changes to the preferred starting line up.
After injuries prevented Paul Pogba and N'golo Kante from joining the team to defend their title in Qatar before Karim Benzema pulled out, France were expected to live below expectations but have lived up to the billing so far.
France have progressed pass the round 16 three times in their last four World Cup appearances, exiting from the group stage in 2010 and the first defending champion to qualify from the group stage since Brazil in 2006.
Kylian Mbappe is expected to lead France to victory over Poland after scoring two goals already in the finals.
Impressively France are on a seven game unbeaten run against Poland, after suffering a defeat to 4:0 defeat to Poland forty-years ago.
Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez gunned down Poland, after Wojciech Szczesny brilliantly saved Lionel Messi's controversial penalty earlier in the game.
Poland qualified ahead of Mexico on superior goal difference after both sides accumulated four points, to secure their round 16 place for the first time since Mexico 1986.
Marksman and captain, Robert Lewandowski will hope to add to his goal tally after just registering a goal to his name to secure their place in the quarter finals.
Match Statistics(last five games)
France: 3 wins, 2 defeat
Polan: 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 defeats
Head-to-head(last five game)
France: 2 wins, 3 draws
Poland: 3 draws , 2 defeats
Team News
The Hernandez ankle injury sustained in training on Friday is not likely to rule him out of the game with Alphonso Areola recovered from a back problem.
Meanwhile, Poland have no major injury concern with manager Czeslaw Michniewicz having his full squad to choose from.
Probable Lineups
France: Lloris; Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, T. Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud
Poland: Szczesny; Cash, Glik, Kiwior, Bereszynski; Frankowski, Bielik, Krychowiak, Zielinski; Lewandowski, Milik
TV Channels to watch
DSTV, GOTV, beIN Sports, ITV, BBC and FOX.
Match Officials
Referee: Jesus Valenzuela
Assistant Referee 1: Jorge Urrego (VEN)
Assistant Referee 2: Tulio Moreno (VEN)
Fourth Official: Kevin Ortega (PER)
Time: 15:00 GMT
By: Abdul Razak Salim
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