Argentina vs Mexico – Match Preview

The more things change, the more they stay the same. This has been a World Cup that has turned up many shocks and surprises even before the knockout stage begins, and yet, here we are again, in a repeat from Germany 06, Argentina & Mexico face each other once more in the Round of 16.

Germany 06 saw Argentina win in Extra time and progress to the Quarter Finals where they faced the Hosts. Ironically, if they get past El Tri this time, then the same fate potentially awaits them this time. The football gods can often have a wicked sense of humour.

Both teams will go into this game fancying their chances although Mexico will undoubtedly be the underdogs. Both sides possess entertaining young attacking players and it is these players that could potentially make this one of the more entertaining games of the Round of 16.

The Argentines are favourites and rightfully so, If they can turn on the style with the players they possess, then they could potentially be very dominant in this game. The Mexicans like to attack to the extent where they happily expose themselves defensively and if they do that consistently against players like Messi & Higuain then they could find themsleves getting punished.

That being said, Mexico have the players at their disposal to be able to cause problems. If Marquez can keep Messi quiet, as was shown in the Greece game, then it could be very difficult for the Argentines to create chances and impose their dominance on the game. Similarly, if Mexico utilise their attacking players, the likes of Giovanni & Guardado, then they could test the defence that seems to almost be an afterthought under Maradonna. No side has really tested it to any great levels so far in this World Cup, but when they have, it has looked dicey.

The only major doubt going into this game for Mexico is Carlos Vela. The Arsenal man may struggle to be fit for this game after his injury against France. Walter Samuel is the biggest doubt for Argentina with him potentially not recovering from a thigh injury.

The biggest issue for me tomorrow, from a Mexican point of view is whether Franco continues to play. If he does, then I don’t expect a win. Unfortunately he’s been very  poor with the Mexicans seeming to be able to find a second gear once he’s been removed from play in the previous games, the Mexicans best chance to win this game, for me rests with Hernández. If he plays, they have a chance of an upset.

Argentina, Mexico, Round of 16, World Cup 2010