Argentina was stunned by rampant opposition in their opening fixture and must win to keep fate in the palm of their hands when they face Mexico at the Lusail Iconic Stadium. El Tri holds a point over their current opposition making it do or die for Lionel Messi and La Selección.
To Win Match
Argentina 1/2 | Draw 14/5 | Mexico 11/2
Ahead of kick-off against the Saudis, the stars seemed to align as Argentina’s squad led by Lionel Messi had every box checked. A 36-match unbeaten run, the first trophy for Messi on the international stage (CONMEBOL), and a win over an Italian side that was seemingly unstoppable.
Messi slotted home a penalty early on in the first half and the fixture seemed to be heading in the direction of only one word – dominant. But things turned sour quite quickly for the South Americans. Saudi Arabia, FIFA’s 51st-ranked team, who had suffered 5-0 and 8-0 losses in World Cups down the years, clawed their way back to upset Argentina 2-1.
On a positive note, Lionel Scaloni’s men created chance after chance. Three disallowed goals due to an impressive highline from the opposition means it’s only a matter of time before Argentina slots home more. Messi, Lautaro Martínez and Angel Di Maria posed danger throughout, and the introduction of Man City’s Julian Alvarez continued their relentless onslaught.
Mexico has advanced to the round of 16 in every World Cup since 1994 and ruling them out is always the anguish of any opposition. Their first match could have gone horribly wrong or exceedingly great, but a single point sufficed and the progression from Group C is still very much a possibility.
Mexico missed out on a chance to exploit Argentina’s shock defeat by Saudi Arabia as their opening fixture resulted in a goalless draw with Poland.
Coach Gerardo Martino’s side had the bulk of possession and the better chances overall, and the Polish might have snuck victory if it weren’t for the heroics of a World Cup stalwart in goalkeeper Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa denying a spot kick.
Guillermo has become only the eighth player — and fourth Mexican — to play at five World Cups making him crucial in El Tri’s endeavours.
The defensive side of Mexico is evident, but their attack must not go unmentioned. The North Americans had first-half chances via Alexis Vega’s and Jesus Gallardo, alongside Hirving Lozano, when found in one-on-one situations was eager to have a go. Their talisman Raul Jimenez played just 30 minutes and will pose more of a threat should he feature more.
Verdict: Both Teams to Score – Yes (7/5)
It is ‘do or die’ for Argentina, who are in desperate need of three points, and Mexico will relish in the opposition having to take the front foot hoping to counter with lethal impact, however, a win over Mexico will result in a spicy finish to Group C.
