Diego Maradona is leading Argentina to one of its best performances in the last decades. Three matches played, three victories and 7 goals scored, the Albiceleste is indeed a solid candidate for the title, but a step should be walked at a time, and to prove their worth they'll need to stand against Mexico's electric play. "We'll take revenge on what happened four years ago. We'll try to change the course of history and this time, a Mexican goal will please the crowds" were Tricolor's coach Javier Aguirre words regarding this match. For this matter Mexico is expected to display a versatile formation, with a three or four-man back line to strengthen midfield's play. Former Argentinean Guillermo Franco will be the only striker in the squad (Vera might join him if he fully recovers), forcing Giovani Dos Santos to put his wits to work to earn Mexico its first victory against Argentina in a World Championship.
Argentina vs Mexico: Maradona's illusion
During the first week in South Africa, Maradona declared the world championship won't begin until the round of 16, where "no mistakes will be allowed". Having found the perfect starting eleven after the first three matches, there have only been two modifications from the first match against Nigeria: Nicolas Otamendi has taken over Jonas Gutierrez place leading the advance in the right band, and Maxi Rodriguez - perhaps thanks to his background against Mexico, or maybe thanks to his superior speed - will be replacing Juan Sebastian Veron.
Lionel Messi is confident he'll be able to score his first goal in the competition, but he'll have to face a tough defender he knows since he was a little child in Barcelona, Rafa Marquez. Against Greece it was clearly shown that no man-to-man mark defense is enough against La Pulga. With Carlos Tevez's return to the starting squad Maradona will once again recover the unchallenged speed and ball control needed in the last meters, but the many opportunities granted by Argentina's defense (Especially Martin Demichellis, responsible for the only goal Argentina received up to the moment, as well as offering Giorgios Samaras endless face-to-face situations with Sergio Romero) might pose a problem when facing the Tri.
At least Demichellis was able to redeem himself against Greece, when he used his aerial prowess to give Argentina the first goal. As well as Gabriel Heinze, both Argentina's central backs have shown Albiceleste's weak aerial play is nothing but a myth.
Argentina is one of the deadliest squads in South Africa. No team has shot as many times as the Argentinean (64 against 57 for Brazil), forcing their rival's goalkeeper on 30 occasions. Lionel Messi is the players with most shots (11) though luck has not been on his side. Argentina and Netherlands are the only two teams that have perfect scoring up to now, will this be enough to secure Argentina a ticket for the next stage?
Walter Samuel is not yet fully recovered, but this does not worry Diego Maradona, who knows Roma's Nicolas Burdisso can be a solid replacement for Il Muro. Will young Javier Pastore be given an opportunity against the Tri after a solid performance in the last minutes of last week's match?
... Argentina... And so what?
Mexico's main weakness is, without a shadow of a doubt, its defense. Team's goalkeeper Oscar Perez has been one of the main responsibles for the team to advance for this stage. This will be particularly dangerous against Argentina, so it is expected for Mexico to go for an aggressive formation to keep Argentina busy on their own goal. Arsenal Carlos Vera's return to the squad (He's been experiencing some problems in its right leg since the French game and thus he was unable to perform against Uruguay) will sharpen team's offense, as well as Efrain Juarez's presence in the back line will offer additional securities to face La Liga's top strikers.
"Yes, we're playing against Argentina... and so what?" Were Mexico's captain Rafa Marquez when asked what was he thinking when facing a candidate. "As well as they have their confidence, we have ours. They're clearly the favorites, but that's all. We know their defense is their weakness. Is Argentina better man to man? it's possible. But this Sunday the truth will be known" were the words of this experienced 35 years old defender.
Mexico will try to overwhelm Argentina from the wings, as Maxi Rodriguez and Di Maria will be busy trying to lead the team towards Tri's goal. As long as Dos Santos is given space to create, Mexico can surprise and Argentina and find a place within World's best eight, do they have what it takes?
