World Cup

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World Cup | Group Stage

Nov 26, 2022 at 7pm UK

Argentina
2 - 0
Mexico

Messi (64'), Fernandez (87')
Montiel (43')

FT(HT: 0-0)

Araujo (22'), Gutierrez (50'), Herrera (66'), Alvarado (89')

World Cup 2022: Reasons for Mexico to be confident of beating Argentina

By Ben Sully

Published: November 25 2022 | 23:50

Last updated: November 26 2022 | 11:32

Ahead of Saturday's meeting between Argentina and Mexico, Sports Mole looks at three reasons why Mexico will be confident of claiming a victory.

Mexico will look to claim their first win of the World Cup when they face Argentina at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Saturday.

El Tri began their World Cup campaign with a goalless draw against Poland, where experienced goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa helped his country clinch a point with a penalty save to deny Robert Lewandowski.

They will now turn their attention to Saturday's game against Argentina, where Mexico boss Gerardo Martino will attempt to get the better of his home country.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at some reasons why Mexico can be confident of claiming three points on Saturday.

World Cup history on their side

Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa celebrates after saving a penalty shot from Poland's Robert Lewandowski pictured on November 22, 2022 © Reuters

Mexico may face a tough test when they go head-to-head with Argentina on Saturday, but they can look to draw inspiration from the fact that they have won at least one of their opening two World Cup games in their last eight appearances at the tournament.

In recent history, they have secured notable victories in their first two matches, including a 2-0 win over France in the second game of the 2010 tournament, while they beat Germany 1-0 in their World Cup opener four years ago.

Their overall form in the group stages has also been impressive, with their last seven group games yielding four wins, two draws and one defeat.

El Tri will also be looking to end their goal drought after failing to score in their last three World Cup matches, and history suggests they have every chance of doing so as they have never gone four games without a goal at the tournament.

Argentina's recent World Cup struggles

Argentina's Lionel Messi looks dejected after Saudi Arabia score their first goal on November 22, 2022 © Reuters

Whether it be a friendly or a competitive fixture, a meeting with Argentina is a daunting prospect for any nation, but the South American's recent form at the World Cup could give Mexico hope.

Argentina have won only one of their last six World Cup games, and that run began with a 1-0 defeat after extra time in the 2014 final against Germany when Mario Gotze came off the bench to score the winning goal.

They started the 2014 tournament with an underwhelming draw against Iceland, before they were swept aside 3-0 by Croatia, and although they progressed to the group stage with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria thanks to Marcos Rojo's 86th-minute winner, Argentina were knocked out in the last 16 to eventual winners France.

After losing 4-3 to France in 2018, Argentina continued their poor form with a 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in the opening game of the current World Cup despite taking the lead thanks to Lionel Messi's penalty.

Experienced Squad

Martino has a number of seasoned players available to him on Saturday, including Mexico's record caps holder Andres Guardado, who had to settle for being an unused substitute against Poland.

While the Real Betis midfielder was left on the bench, there were three other players who have 100 caps that started Tuesday's draw.

Ochoa played a vital role by denying Lewandowski from the spot, while Hector Moreno and Hector Herrera also featured, and their know-how in big game situations could prove to be crucial against Argentina.

With Raul Jimenez closing in on 100 caps for his country, the Wolverhampton Wanderers forward could also add to an experienced lineup if selected.