Argentina are underneath enormous stress to get a win after the shock defeat to Saudi Arabia of their Group C opener.
- Who: Argentina vs Mexico, Group C
- The place: Lusail Iconic Stadium
- When: Saturday, November 26 at 10pm (19:00 GMT)
- Fifa rating: Argentina (3), Mexico (13)
- Head-to-head report: 20 video games – 14 wins for Argentina, two for Mexico, two attracts
- Final 5 matches:
- Argentina: L W W W W
- Mexico: D L W L W
It is a do-or-die match for Argentina. A loss in opposition to Mexico, and Lionel Messi’s males shall be reserving an early flight residence from Qatar.
Till Saudi Arabia blew this group large open with their shock victory over La Albiceleste on Tuesday, Argentina’s kind had been really imperious – unbeaten in additional than 30 video games, and one of many favourites to elevate the trophy on the Qatar World Cup.
If Argentina fail to regroup after the devastating upset, it’s going to imply an ignominious exit and the sourest of notes on which finish to Messi’s worldwide profession.
Argentina’s defence is (normally) rock strong, and it will be a shock if Mexico handle to interrupt by means of on purpose. Likewise, as we noticed of their 0-0 draw in opposition to Poland on Tuesday, Mexico’s defence is sweet, although definitely permeable.
And goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, showing in his fifth World Cup, who saved a penalty from Poland’s Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski, will nonetheless be powerful to beat.
Argentina have Messi, Angel di Maria, Julian Alvarez and Inter teammates Lautaro Martínez and Joaquin Correa all accessible in assault.
Mexican hopes will largely relaxation on the shoulders of striker Raul Jimenez, who has solely began a handful of occasions for the Wolverhampton Wanderers this season. Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez has been left at residence.
In line with the FIFA rankings, Mexico (thirteenth) are a much better staff than Saudi Arabia (51st). They’ve performed in eight consecutive World Cups and their followers in Qatar are among the many loudest. However Argentina stay a prime staff, and so they have their backs in opposition to the wall. Anticipate fireworks.