FIFA World Cup 2010: Argentina vs Mexico - Match Preview
The most attractive team of the World Cup so far, and one of the firm favourites, Argentina, is set to take on Mexico in the round of 16 in FIFA World Cup 2010.
Argentina has been head and shoulders above all the teams thus far; even Brazil have not been able to match the magic that they have shown on the pitch. Their biggest star, Lionel Messi, has not been able to get on the score-sheet just yet, but there has been plenty of quality shown from other names.
Argentina began the World Cup in a subdued affair against Nigeria. It looked as if the team was looking to find their feet and individual players, who had been playing for different clubs throughout the year, were trying to take some time to adapt to their teammates. Heinze scored the only goal in the first match for a comfortable 1-0 win. It was the 2nd game, though, when they really came to the party. The talk was once again about Messi but it was the Real Madrid man Higuain who was the hero of the day, scoring the first and so far the only hat-trick of the World Cup. It was no surprise as he had scored 31 goals for his club in the season gone by, and that too in a club studded with a host of stars. The final game against Greece was no different; it was complete domination from the former world champions that resulted in a 2 nil win.
As for Mexico, it is more of a feel good story for them to make it to the final 16 of the World Cup; in a group where there was France, hosts South Africa and Uruguay, they surely were not pegged as the favourites to make it through. A start stop first game against the hosts that ended 1-1 gave glimpses of what they had to offer, but the 2nd match was when they really showed their colours. They dominated the former world champions France in a completely one sided game. A 2 nil surprise win was what pretty much paved their way to the final 16, and even though they lost the final game 1-0 to Uruguay, they still managed to make it to the next round.
For Argentina, it’s almost unfair to point out one man as the key, considering the line-up of superstars they have. But Messi once again has to be the one at the centre of all their plans; Mexican captain Rafael Marquez is his teammate at Barcelona and will know what he has to offer and he will be setting up the defence accordingly. Higuain is sure to start after his recent performances, while Manchester City man Tevez may have to wait for his turn from the bench. Such is the quality of strikers at Maradona’s disposal that he may even have to bench the Champions League hero for Inter Milan, Diego Milito. He scored 2 goals in the final to take his team to European glory after 4 and a half decades.
In midfield, Mascherano is integral when it comes to holding up play, while the veteran Veron is the one who makes darting runs in the box to aid his strikers. Heinze at left back is just a luxury to have; the former Real Madrid and Manchester United man puts in countless miles at the left flank, while in set pieces he can be very useful, as proven by his thunderous header in the first match against Nigeria.
Mexico will be heavily reliant on the front pairing of Dos Santos and Javier Hernandez. The young duo has looked capable of taking on any defence in the world. Hernandez proved what he can do in the group stages and especially against France, when he scored a brilliant goal; while latching on to a through ball he rounded up the keeper to put the ball in an empty net. The latest Manchester United signing is sure to be a threat to Argentina. Dos Santos, although primarily a midfielder, has natural attacking instincts and repeatedly makes his way in the 6 yard box. He is blessed with immense speed and a quick pair of legs which can dazzle any defender, while his left foot is more than useful.
In defence, captain Rafael Marquez will be the general marshalling his troops, making sure he does not let his Barcelona teammate Messi have any joy on the left side of the pitch. Mexican keeper Oscar Perez has looked pretty settled between the posts; he has conceded 2 goals so far in the World Cup but is still considered one of the safest men in the tournament.
The stage is set for a big pre-quarterfinal match. Argentina, of course, are the odds on favourites, but beware of the big hearted Mexican team: they may not be able to match the South American magic for the entire 90 minutes, but they for sure will not be making it any easier for their more accomplished opponents.
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