2010 World Cup last 16 preview: Argentina v Mexico
Like in 2006, Argentina once again meet Mexico in the last 16 of the World Cup, and immediately you cast your minds back to Maxi Rodríguez’s stunning extra-time winner which knocked out the Mexicans.
The match was a great spectacle, and the goal was one of the best of the tournament.
Argentina topped their group, scoring seven goals along the way, including a Gonzalo Higuaín hat-trick, and only conceded one. They are very much contenders to win a third World Cup, and all of this even without the best player in world football Lionel Messi not scoring a goal.
Coach Diego Maradona may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but he is loved by his players, and there is a sense of a real team bond within the Argentinean camp, which is more than can be said for the French and Ghanaian ones.
El Diego has been prowling on his touchline, feeling like he is still playing the game. Ahead of the knockout stages, he has new Real Madrid manager José Mourinho’s number by his bedside, and has said he may get some advice from the Portuguese.
“I like Mourinho a lot. I've got his phone number, I might call him. We spent hours talking about football, attacking and defensive tactics. He seemed to me a guy to take to your bedside table and ask him each time you need something,” said the 49-year-old.
He lives and breathes football, and was desperate for Messi to score a goal in their final game against Greece.
“I was sorry Messi didn't get a goal. I dived on the ground when his shot hit the post and if there'd been a swimming pool around I'd have jumped in head first.”
Messi has vowed to break his duck at this World Cup. He has come close thus far, but is hoping to start now rather than later.
“Obviously I'd like to get a goal but it's only a question of time before it comes. The way Greece played made it tough for us. All they did was defend. Luckily we managed to impose ourselves again and we got another win, and that's what matters,” Messi said.
The Barcelona ace celebrated his 23rd birthday this week, but isn’t feeling the pressure of not scoring goals.
“I'm not worried about it – obviously I'd prefer them to go in, but it's not a big deal. What's important is that we keep playing well and that the team wins. With a bit of luck, I'll score against Mexico in the last 16.”
Mexico were runners-up in their group, beating hosts South Africa to second spot on goal difference. The 2-0 win over France in their second game virtually guaranteed their place in the last 16. A draw against South Africa in the tournament’s curtain raiser gave the Mexicans the belief they could qualify from the group.
Four years ago, no one gave them a chance, with many expecting an easy Argentina win. However, it was far from that, and it had to take a wonder strike to end their hopes. Rafael Márquez gave them the lead in that match, and the Barcelona defender has warned his teammates they face another tough assignment. “Argentina are a good team but we also can play a bit and have bags of talent. We have to plug into that.”
Gerardo Torrado echoes his teammate’s thoughts. “Sure, we can beat them. But we have to go out there believing we can. We know Argentina will be a very tough rival but if we can really go out there concentrated on the job then it will be a very even contest,” said Torrado.
“We have an encounter ahead which we have to enjoy but we will play to the death to win it. Against Uruguay we lacked determination but each squad has circumstances that make them unique. There are different factors. This game is necessary to continue advancing and to follow our dream so we will not lack attitude,” added the 31-year-old.
Mexican coach Javier Aguirre is seeking revenge, and is setting his sights on getting his players confidence back after they lost their final group game to Uruguay. “This could be a nice opportunity to take revenge for what happened four years ago. [Against Uruguay] we conceded the goal and then we tried to recover, but we couldn't and then towards the end we lost our spirit. We're now in the round of 16. We'll try to recover and do our best to go far in this competition,” said Aguirre.
Prediction: Mexico are able to play and keep the ball very well, but so do Argentina, so whoever can have the majority of the possession and create chances will win the match. Argentina have an array of attacking talent, and a goal from anyone of their players can come at any time. However, a shaky defence could be exploited provided the Mexicans take their chances.
Argentina to win the game 2-1 and advance to the quarter-finals.
IV
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