FIFA World Cup 2022 : Argentina play their “First final” against stiff Mexico

When the FIFA World cup 2022 at Qatar ends, it will be regarded as one of the most exciting and unseen editions ever. The mega footballing event has already produced some unexpected results with Saudi Arabia beating Argentina by 2-1 being the highlight of the tournament so far.

FULL-TIME IN LUSAIL
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia 2-1 Argentina 🇦🇷#KSAARG pic.twitter.com/q5n3nI9eBu

— Saudi National Team (@SaudiNT_EN) November 22, 2022

Yesterday, Wales who were making their first FIFA World Cup appearance in 64 years gave up their hopes of qualifying to the last 16 after their disappointing loss against Asian outfit Iran. A lot is happening already and there is more to come until the 18th of December.

History made! Saudi headlines rewritten 🇸🇦🇸🇦🇸🇦#saudi_argentina #WorldcupQatar2022 pic.twitter.com/IjaLIkKwOc

— عبدالعزيز بن تركي الفيصل (@AbdulazizTF) November 22, 2022

The main focus for today is Group C’s fixture between Argentina and Mexico. Argentina are coming off from an unbelievable defeat to the hands of Saudi Arabia which has seen them fall down to the bottom spot of Group C and another defeat tonight will see them exit the World cup finals from the last 32 itself.

La Albiceleste came into the tournament as one of the favorites to win the 2022 edition but Saudi Arabia’s resurgence saw their 36 match unbeaten streak from 2019 come to an end. Tonight they will be facing an even tougher side in the form of South American side Mexico, who drew their last game against Poland.

While Saudi Arabia will square off with Poland later today, Argentina must win their match against Mexico to keep their chances alive. However, it won’t be that easy.

The 2-time World Champions’ outing against Saudi Arabia saw them struggle defensively and they also failed to manoeuvre the Green Falcons’ tactics that day. Although, the Argentinians opened the scoring through talisman Lionel Messi in the 10th minute but what followed was a treat for the eyes of Saudi fans.

Lautaro Martinez found the back of the net twice only for VAR to intervene and call it off-side. Messi’s effort was also called off-side, otherwise Argentina would have been 5-0 up in the first-half itself. Saudi head coach Herve Renand should be given all the credits as his side maintained a high defensive line and the determination of his players especially goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais who kept the game alive as he made some out of the world saves.

Saudi’s resilience started paying off within 3 minutes into the second-half as Saleh Alsehri provided the equalizer and Salem Aldawsari scored the winning goal in the 53rd minute to script an outstanding comeback – one that will be remembered for ages.

Meanwhile, Mexico will be satisfied with the defensive work against Poland especially with Guillermo Ochoa saving a Penalty by Robert Lewandowski. However, they will hope for an improved and more clinical performance by the players upfront. Alexis Vega played really well against Poland as he had more shots on goal than anyone else but lacked decisiveness in the final third.

If we go by the history of both the teams then Argentina are looking like the favorites, having won their last 3 World cup meetings with Mexico – (6-3) in 1930, (2-1) in 2006 and (3-1) in 2010. Moreover, Argentina have won 16 out of their 35 games against the Mexicans while the latter won only 5 games and 14 of those were draws.

The Sky blue and whites have scored 57 goals on the way while Mexico have 34 goals in this particular fixture. Argentina never lost two successive games in the World cup and they will hope to maintain this record. However, with the type of results this World cup is producing Lionel Scaloni’s side will have to focus more on the pitch rather than history or else Messi will walk away from International football without the trophy that is owed to him.

Also Read – What is “One Love” armband which is used in FIFA World Cup 2022 and why wearing it is banned?