Prediction, Odds & Betting tips for Argentina vs. Mexico | Group Stage, World Cup Qatar 2022
Prediction, Odds & Betting tips for Argentina vs. Mexico | Group Stage, World Cup Qatar 2022
Argentina just suffered one of the biggest shocks at the tournament ever seen, with them losing to Saudi Arabia. What makes this result even more significant is the fact that the Gauchos led at halftime. So really, there isn’t any other option for them but to win against Mexico and stay in the race for the knockout stage. Meanwhile, Mexico played without goals against Poland in one dull game, in which Sombreros showed better football than the rivals, but couldn’t win.
Argentina
A slap in the face, or a kick in the teeth, call it whatever you like, but what Argentina survived against Saudi Arabia is epic. Epic in a negative way. After ripping apart the rivals in the first 45 minutes, and several disallowed goals, the Gauchos were stunned in the opening few minutes of the second half, conceding two goals.
After that, they simply couldn’t recover and come back, as we saw Messi and the guys helpless in all the areas, especially up front. Messi couldn’t do anything, but maybe an even bigger disappointment was Angel Di Maria, who was entirely without rhythm.
This was the first loss for the Argentinians after three years and the most unexpected moment. Also, it was the sixth time they played in the last seven games to see at least three goals.
Mexico
Ochoa saved Sombreros against Poland, denying Robert Lewandowksi’s shot from the penalty spot. To be honest, if the Poles got away with three points, it would be a massive injustice because they didn’t show anything on the field.
Mexico was the team that dominated and pressured, while Poland defended, trying to gain something upfront relying upon Lewandowski’s individual quality. The big problem for Mexico was Raul Jiminez’s absence, as the Wolves striker presents the target in the box that, always creates problems for the rivals.
Head coach Martino will need to add more creativity to the midfield, and we might see some tactical adaptations and changes.
Argentina: E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Dybala; Messi, L. Martinez, Alvarez
Mexico: Ochoa; Sanchez, Montes, Moreno, Gallardo; Alvarez, Herrera, Guardado; Lozano, Martin, Jimenez
These teams had three friendly international games in the past four years. In 2019, Argentina trashed the Mexicans 4-0, while in two meetings one year earlier, we saw the Gauchos defeating the rivals with the same results in both events, 2-0. We need to add that they played in the 2010 and 2006 World Cups, both events in the round of 16. Argentina eliminated the rivals each time.
This will be a fierce battle on both ends, and we expect to see plenty of yellow cards, possibly a red one as well. Though, in a more traditional prognosis, we pick Argentina to win, as they have no choice. It is the logical bet because Gauchos have the power and the quality to rise above the challenges.
Our verdict: Argentina wins