Despite a surprising defeat to Tunisia, France finished first in Group D, Didier Deschamps' team began its campaign with a resounding 4-1 victory over Australia, followed by a 2-1 win over Denmark. France advanced to the pre-quarterfinals with these two victories.

Meanwhile, Poland finished second in Group C. Czeslaw Michniewicz's side and started the season with a tie against Mexico before defeating Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, Poland was defeated 2-0 by Argentina in their last group game.

Before Sunday's match, the two teams played 16 times, with France winning eight times and Poland winning three. The remaining games were all drawn. Jesus Valenzuela Saez will officiate today's match with the Venezuelan referee appointed by FIFA.

FIFA World Cup 2022: Teams qualified for Round of 16 - Full list here

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FIFA World Cup 2022: Teams qualified for Round of 16 - Full list here

What happened so far?

In Qatar, 14 teams have thus far advanced to the knockout stages, including France, Brazil, Portugal, and Argentina. Learn which groups of 16 teams have qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Next steps

The FIFA World Cup 2022 is nearing its Round of 16 stage as the group stages in Qatar come to an end.

The first of the knockout stages

For the first phase, the 32 teams competing at the Qatar 2022 World Cup were split into eight groups, ranging from Group A to H. The top two teams from each group advance to the FIFA World Cup 2022 Round of 16, the start of the knockout stages, where each team plays the other once in a single-headed round robin style.

First team to make the cut

France, the defending champions from Group D, was the first side to advance to the Round of 16 after resounding victories in both of their group games. After defeating Australia 4-1, Les Bleus defeated Denmark 2-1.

Who is Valenzuela Saez?

The 39-year-old Venezuelan official is a referee. He has officiated in Copa Libertadores, Copa America, Liga FUTVE, Copa Sudamericana, - Venezuela's top level - and FIFA World Cup matches. In 2013, Saez was appointed to the FIFA referee panel.
He oversaw the 2021 Copa America semifinal between Argentina and Colombia, in which Lionel Messi scored the winning penalty in a shootout.

Saez also officiated football matches at the Olympics in Tokyo.

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FIFA World Cup, December 4: France vs Poland in round of 16, everything you need to know about referee Jesus Valenzuela Saez

France will face Poland in the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2022 at Al Thumama Stadium today. The game will begin at 8:30 PM local time.

FIFA World Cup 2022: Teams qualified for Round of 16 - Full list here

FIFA World Cup 2022: Teams qualified for Round of 16 - Full list here

What happened so far?

Next steps

The first of the knockout stages

First team to make the cut

Who is Valenzuela Saez?

FAQs:

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