Argentina and Mexico pick up where they left off four years ago

Argentina takes on Mexico at Soccer City in Johannesburg on June 27 in what has the potential to be an excellent game. Argentina has been red hot since the World Cup kicked off and had no problems rolling over Nigeria (1-0), South Korea (4-1), and Greece (2-0) to win Group B with nine points. Mexico played well against South Africa (1-1), France (2-0) and Uruguay (0-1) to finish up in second place in Group A. Actually they were level on points with host nation South Africa and went through on goal difference, thanks to the two they scored against France.

This game is basically going to feature the experience of Argentina against the youthful exuberance of Mexico. Looking down the lineup sheet of Argentina, there’s not a team in the tournament that really outshines them man for man. However, we all know this is a team sport. But Argentina has been playing as a team and the fact that striker Lionel Messi has yet to get on the scoreboard is actually a frightening thing for their opposition.

Argentina are strong at both ends of the pitch and their attacking force of Messi, Carlos Tevez, Martin Palermo and Gonzalo Higuain is unmatched by anybody, even though Palermo and Higuain are the only ones to score so far with Higuain scoring a hat trick against South Korea and Palermo netting one against Greece.

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Mexico is also a fine attacking team with forwards Giovani Do Santos, Javier Hernandez, Pablo Barrera, Adolfo Bautista, Guillermo Franco, Alberto Medina, Blanco, and the injured Carlos Vela. However, Vela could possibly be back from his hamstring injury in time for the match and defender Efrain Juarez is back from his suspension. It’s obvious that Mexican manager Javier Aguirre had attacking on his mind when he picked the squad and that’s what makes Mexico such an interesting team to watch.

While the Mexican talent at the moment is raw, the Argentineans are more refined and this could make the difference. The Mexicans might be just as good as Argentina in a few years from now, but at the moment the lack of experience in some of the squad may cost them in this game. However, if they throw caution to the wind and just go for it, we could be in for an end-to-end offensive treat as we all know Argentina’s manager Diego Maradona is also a big fan of attacking football.

Argentina and Mexico have met 25 times previously with Argentina winning 11, losing four and drawing 10. The last time they met in the world Cup was just four years ago in Germany when they squared off in the first game of the knockout stage as well. Argentina won the game 2-1 on a goal by Maxi Rodriguez in extra time.

Odds and Predictions

If Argentina does have a weak spot, it could be in their defending. Mexico would be wise to try and take advantage of this and attack them as hard and often as possible. However, while they should score, Argentina should have enough experience and firepower to take this game 3-1.

BetUS lists Argentina as the favourites with odds of them winning listed at 1.50 (-200, 1/2). The odds of a Mexican victory are posted at 7.00 (+600, 6/1) and a draw after 90 minutes is listed at 3.75 (+275, 11/4).

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