On Saturday night, Argentina and Mexico clash in what could be a crucial encounter in Group C of the World Cup.
Argentina form guideThe South American giants were on the wrong end of one of the biggest upsets ever at a World Cup in their opening game, as Lionel Scaloni’s team suffered a 2-1 loss against Saudi Arabia.
The loss was even more surprising due to the fact that Argentina had headed into the competition in top form. In fact, they had recorded five straight international wins and scored at least two goals in each of the wins, too, before the defeat.
However, La Albiceleste’s recent record in the World Cup is poor, as they have won just one of their last six matches in the competition, having lost three of their last four games at the World Cup. Another defeat, and Lionel Messi and his team will be heading out of the tournament at the group stages.
Mexico form guideEl Tri kicked off their World Cup campaign with an underwhelming 0-0 draw against Poland. However, they needed goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa to save a Robert Lewandowski penalty kick to seal a point. It wasn’t a terrible start to their group campaign. However, a clash against an Argentina team hurting from the woeful result last time out may prove slightly more difficult.
Mexico knows that a victory would put them in a strong position in the group to qualify for the last 16 for the fourth time. However, El Tri has now failed to win in three games at the World Cup, having also not found the net in the winless run.
Latest team newsArgentina boss Scaloni has a fully fit squad to choose from, so he could make some changes to his starting line-up. Mexico have no reported injury problems. Star striker Raul Jimenez may start this game after making a cameo off the bench in Mexico’s opening game.
What am I backing?Argentina will be desperate to get a win on the board after their opening-game defeat. Mexico looked functional against Poland, but I am backing Argentina to record what will be a vital victory in this clash.
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