Preview: Argentina vs Mexico – Prediction, Staff Information, Lineups

With their World Cup hope already on the road, Argentina will look to beat their opening match catastrophe on Saturday after they deal with Group C rivals Mexico.

Whereas the Albiceleste began their quest for a 3rd world crown by shedding to ranked outsiders Saudi Arabia, their Central American counterparts survived a scare to attract with Poland on Tuesday.

Match preview

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Since shedding to Brazil within the 2019 Copa America, Argentina had launched into a nationwide report 36-match unbeaten run and, as reigning South American champions, have been amongst most pundits’ favorites for the final 4.

But all that momentum counted for little on the primary day of their World Cup marketing campaign, which Lionel Scalonis aspect let an early lead slip away six minutes into the second half at Lusail Stadium.

Leads by Lionel Messis opener from the penalty spot, the Albiceleste seemed to be in management at half-time, having seen three different ‘objectives’ dominated out for offside. Two Saudi strikes shortly after the interval turned the sport on its head, nevertheless, and the Group C underdogs held on to report a consequence that may echo by the ages.

When the final of their world triumphs got here again in the summertime of 1986, Argentina have been already below stress to ship a primary World Cup trophy in almost 40 years – particularly in what shall be Messi’s swansong on the sport’s greatest stage.

Subsequently, Scaloni should shortly collect his troops earlier than taking over the nation that hosted their final success at this degree: a Mexico aspect who sit some extent above Argentina within the standings.

Having defeated El Tri within the first ever version of the World Cup in 1930, the Argentines have just lately eradicated their Latin rivals twice within the final sixteen, and are additionally unbeaten within the international locations’ final 10 conferences courting again to 2004.

All of this performs to their benefit if precedent is any information, however the world will now watch with anticipation as they reply to their seismic shock in opposition to the Saudis.

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Considered one of a number of goalless stalemates within the opening week of Qatar 2022, a 0-0 draw with Poland bought Mexico’s match off to a comparatively strong begin on Tuesday, and in some respects a one-point lead was gratefully acquired by Tata Martinos males in the long run.

After Hector Moreno was thought-about to have felled Robert Lewandowski within the field, the Polish goalscorer didn’t convert his golden likelihood from the penalty spot, as a veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa made a vital save.

That consequence units up a probably decisive encounter by way of qualification from Group C this weekend, as El Tri goal to achieve the knockout levels once more.

Now making their eighth consecutive World Cup look, the Mexicans have been eradicated on the final 16 stage in every of their final seven makes an attempt, and ex-Argentina coach Martino is the person tasked with bringing an finish to that pattern by defying expectations and make the quarterfinals.

La Seleccion final reached that time within the competitors as hosts in 1986, when Saturday’s opponents went on to elevate the trophy due to a Diego Maradona masterclass on Mexican soil.

Earlier than this yr’s squad can dream of emulating such a feat, they could nicely must at the very least safe a second level in Lusail or their hopes of progressing will grasp by a thread.

Argentina World Cup kind:

Argentina kind (all competitions):

Mexico’s World Cup kind:

Mexico kind (all competitions):

Staff information

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Whereas Argentina talisman Lionel Messi skilled away from the remainder of his teammates on Thursday, the 35-year-old playmaker is predicted to begin this weekend, sparing Lionel Scaloni a critical choice headache.

The Albiceleste captain’s left leg is his major concern, however it appears unlikely that Papu Gomez shall be requested to deputize on Saturday. Subsequently, Messi ought to headline an attacking trident that additionally happens Lautaro Martinez and Angel Di Maria.

After beginning on the bench within the loss to Saudi Arabia following a health drawback, Lisandro Martinez might are available for each Cristian Romero or Nicolas Otamendi as a part of Scaloni’s again 4. Gonzalo Montiel and Alexis McAllister can be in battle.

In the meantime, ahead Angel Correa and Paulo Dybala – the latter simply again from damage – are amongst a number of squad members hoping to play their first minutes of the finals.

One other striker just lately returned to health, Mexico’s Raul Jimenez, will goal for promotion to the beginning XI. The Wolverhampton Wanderers star made his first look in virtually three months in El Tri’s final pleasant, showing off the bench on Tuesday.

Tata Martino can as a substitute flip to Henry Martin once more, nevertheless with Hirving Lozano and Alexis Vega supplies help from the flanks.

Pachucas Luis Chavez – who didn’t function in CONCACAF qualifying however labored his manner into the crew in latest friendlies – ought to proceed on the left of a midfield trio in Martino’s 4-3-3 formation, whereas Ajax defender Jorge Sanchez begins on the suitable financial institution.

Argentina’s potential beginning line-up:
E. Martinez; Montiel, Romero, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, MacAllister; Messi, La. Martinez, Di Maria

Mexico potential beginning line-up:
Ochoa; Sanchez, Montes, Moreno, Gallardo; Alvarez, Herrera, Chavez; Lozano, Martin, Vega

We are saying: Argentina 2-1 Mexico

The final time Argentina have been defeated of their first World Cup match was in 1990, when Maradona ultimately led his crew to the ultimate. Dealing with each the expectations of a football-mad nation and a transitioning Mexico crew, this Messi-led Albiceleste can now earn an vital first victory within the 2022 version – however it won’t show to be a straightforward process.

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