FIFA World Cup 2010: Argentina vs Mexico - Match Report
The 4th match of final 16 between Argentina and Mexico, although ended on a dull note but Argentina emerged comfortable 3-1 winners.
The match pretty much followed the script the former World Champions certainly played like favourites. Dominating the North Americans throughout and booking a date with Germany in the quarter finals.
However once again the question is, what on earth is going on in the World Cup? As far as referees are concerned, another bad decision led to Argentina’s first goal when Tevez headed home right at the goal mouth, and he was clearly off side. Just hours after England’s clear goal was disallowed this is surely another reminder to the FIFA President that he has to look into bringing in replay technology in the game.
Anyways over to the action on the pitch, Argentina started in their traditional blue and white striped jerseys but the Navy blue shorts were a surprise.
Lionel Messi within minutes was in action, getting the ball for the first time, after being fed by Carlos Tevez. Messi made his way towards the edge of the area and let it fly, but his shot cannoned off Efrain Juarez and flied clear.
Mexico then came to life too and almost ahead took the lead twice. First a superb long-range effort by Carlos Salcido almost caught out Sergio Romero, who was just about able to tip the ball on to his bar. The Mexicans came forward again seconds later and Giovani Dos Santos teed up Andres Guardado, who fired in a rasping shot from the edge of the area that swerved a couple of feet wide.
It was quite an open game till then; Lionel Messi had the ball moments later, and ran towards the goal. He tried a cheeky chip, and the ball dropped towards the crossbar but Oscar Perez was on his line to collect it.
Mexico then in an effort to slow down the game played keep-ball for a while, largely in half time. When they did get the ball forward, Francisco Rodriguez intercepted and Lionel Messi was fouled as he challenged for the loose ball. It all got a bit cagey again.
Then there was the controversy, Lionel Messi slid Carlos Tevez clear but Mexico keeper Oscar Perez came out to get their first. The ball came back to Lionel Messi, who chipped it goal-wards but Tevez, who was miles offside, headed it in. Mexico protested as the goal was initially given but the referee conferred with his assistant as the incident was replayed on the huge screens at Soccer City Stadium and they both saw that they have got it wrong. They could not change their minds, and the goal stood.
Straight from the restart, Mexico's Rafael Marquez became the first man into referee Roberto Rosetti's book after catching Lionel Messi, Purely after frustration of the goal.
Argentina grew in confidence from that goal, and Ricardo Osorio for some reason played a loose ball across defence without looking, and promptly played in Gonzalo Higuain, who could not believe his luck and cleverly rounded Oscar Perez before slotting home. Mexico's bright start counted for nothing.
Despite some desperate attempts till the break they hardly had anything to offer, while Argentina continued to press and had at least 2-3 further chances, yet the half ended at 2-0.
Argentina started the 2nd half with a healthy lead but still looking for more, while Mexico although disappointed by the 1st goal had shown enough to prove they will fight till the end.
Mexico got an early corner, which Gerardo Torrado bended in. It was cleared as far as Carlos Salcido was concerned, who took a long shot which went wide.
It was all Mexico, at the start as far as possession was concerned. Much despite keeping the ball they barely threatened in that period.
Moreover in contrast Argentina was attacking as soon as they got hold of the ball, minutes later Tevez scored one of the best goals of the World Cup so far.
The ball broke for Carlos Tevez on the edge of the box after his attempted pass was blocked, and he let fly with an absolutely unstoppable strike into the top corner. Diego Maradona gave the Manchester City man a massive bear-hug as the Argentina team celebrated, the win was all but sealed by then.
Mexico 3 goals down did not help their own cause with some sloppy play at the back, with Francisco Rodriguez gave away the ball once again , Carlos Tevez homed in on goal for his hat trick, but luckily for Rodriguez defenders stopped Tevez half way.
Mexico sent on another striker, with former West Ham striker Guillermo Franco replaced Andres Guardado. Within seconds Carlos Salcido took another shot from distance but Sergio Romero made a comfortable save.
Regardless of the score-line Mexico continued to press, and the pressure finally paid off as Hernandez finally scored one, Javier Hernandez made space for himself in the box with a lightning quick turn and rifled the ball into the roof of the net before Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero could blink.
Just consolation for Mexico probably but a good sign for Manchester United fans who will eagerly be awaiting Hernandez’s arrival now.
Argentina since the 3rd goal had looked tired and subdued especially since Tevez was replaced, there was wave after wave of Mexican attacks but none could actually materialise into a goal and the match finally ended at 3-1.
Argentina will now face Germany in the quarter finals, which would by far be the biggest match of the World Cup.
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