Uruguay 1-0 Mexico – Uruguay top the group as both teams advance

If you believed the bookmakers leading up to this game, this was an absolute nailed on draw. Neither side would want to risk losing and possibly going out if one of the other sides were to have a thumping win in the other group. Understandably, with the French imploding, that was a real possibility.

However, the bookies had forgotten one thing. Neither side would really want to face Argentina, particularly with both having recent history in World Cup competition against them. Mexico have memories of going out in the last World Cup finals, while Uruguay needed to get through the playoff after a later goal in the CONMEBOL qualifiers that would ensure that they would both go all out in this game for the win. Both teams would love revenge, but both would love that to come much later in the competition.

So to the game, which was anything but pedestrian. Both teams played the same style of football that has seen them lead the group. It was entertaining throughout with both sides attacking with verve. This is what World Cup football is all about and credit should be given to them for being prepared to take their chances when many other sides would have favoured pragmatic conservatism.

Chances came for both sides throughout the first half with Mexico surely having the best chance to take the lead. Guardado rifled in a shot from over 30 yards only to be denied by the crossbar. It was spectacular and he was unfortunate not to score, he was inches away from scoring one of the great goals of the tournament.

The only goal of the game came towards the end of the first half. A lovely move by the Uruguayans, saw Digeo Forlan send a lovely ball through to Edinson Cavani who hit a perfect first time cross across the field and onto Suarez’s head with the young man from Ajax happily directing the ball into the net.

The second half continued in the same vein, with both sides trying and failing to make the most of their opportunities, Mexico had chances to bring the game level while Uruguay had chances to cement the victory. El Tri kept knocking right until the very end, but were unable to find the answer to get back into the game. Ultimately it didn’t matter and rightly, it’s the two sides who have played the best football in the group that go through to the Knockout stages.

Uruguay go on to play South Korea in the second round and must surely be confident of progressing. They look confident in attack and solid in defence. The Koreans play good football, but you have to expect this proud old football nation to get through to the quarter finals for the first time since 1970.

As for Mexico, they face an Argentinean side who are blessed with untold riches in attack but who still look very suspect in defence. If Mexico are to pull off the upset in the round of 16, they’re going to have to look at changing things. They need to find a greater level of composure in front of goal if they are going to take advantage of the poor Argentinean defence.

Mexico can cause Argentina problem, particularly if Marquez can continue his good form in this  World Cup, he’s better than any of the Greek players who made Messi look pedestrian for so long tonight. If they can stop him, then they can control the game. However, they will definitely need a stronger attack. In today’s game, Franco continued to fail to deliver, he seems to be continually struggling to find any kind of form or composure as the tournament continues.

Aguirre has plenty of options for switching around the wide men, but only really has one alternative as the central striker and he surely now need to look to the young Prodigy in Hernández if he hopes to progress. His pace and movement can certainly cause problems for Argentina. Let’s just hope they give him a chance to show it.

Group A, Mexico, Uruguay, World Cup 2010