Argentina are heading towards a Do or Die match against Mexico in the FIFA World Cup. Argentina are considered one of the favorites in this world cup. But, the Albiceleste are on the verge of being eliminated from the group round as they lost the first match against Saudi Arabia. Now, the Scaloni boys have no other option than to defeat Mexico.
Records & Stats
Argentina played three games against Mexico in the FIFA World Cup. However, the Albiceleste have a strong record against Mexico. Argentina have a 100% winning record against Mexico. Moreover, Mexico haven’t defeated Argentina in their last ten meetings. They lost seven games and tied the remaining three.
How would Scaloni change the squad?
It is obvious that manager Lionel Scaloni is going to make several changes in the squad. The performance of Christian Romero and Papu Gomez was not good against Saudi Arabia. In that match, the manager used the formation of 4-2-3-1, where Lionel Messi played as the attacking midfielder.
However, Lionel Scaloni is likely to return to his usual formation (4-3-3) against Mexico. If he does so, Enzo Fernandez or Mac Allister is likely to replace Papu Gomez in this match. The manager is also thinking about his defense. Christian Romero made some errors in the first game. Therefore, Lisandro Martinez is the favorite to pair up with Nicholas Otamendi in defense.
Emiliano Martinez is the first choice between the goalposts. While the attacking lineup of Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, and Angel Di Maria will remain unchanged against Mexico.
Lautaro Martinez’s thoughts ahead of the Mexico clash
Argentina’s striker Lautaro Martinez has talked with the media ahead of the Mexico clash. “We were sad and hurt by what was the game in Saudi Arabia, but it is behind us because in the World Cup there is no time and now we will have to face a very tough opponent, like Mexico, who a couple of years ago faced it and we have done well. Winning is what this shirt entails.”
“We were very excited to start the World Cup winning. I think we have lost because of our details and mistakes. Now that is behind us; we will think about what we have in front of us, which is Mexico, and I think we are prepared to face the game that is coming,” Martinez added.