Mexico jeopardizes its stay in Qatar after losing to Argentina
Mexico arrived at Matchday 2 in Qatar knowing the score of Poland vs Saudi Arabia, the game was complicated due to off-field issues with some fights in the Arab country and on social networks among fans.
A draw worked for El Tri, since with two points they had the possibility of fighting even for the leadership of group C, however, in front of them was an Argentina hurt by their first game and with a clear hegemony over the Aztecs in previous matches.
El Tata, surprised with a 5-3-2 formation at Lusail Stadium field, something uncommon but the most sensible thing to do. By using more experienced players, the lineup was: Ochoa; Gallardo, Moreno, Montes, Araujo, Álvarez; Guardado, Herrera, Chávez; Vega and Lozano.
The match
El Tri faced a very complicated, tough and disputed match. Mexico looked very good in defense until the goal came, but in attack they showed little or nothing. The absence of Edson Álvarez was surprising, although in the midfield they kept Lionel Messi at bay during the first half.
The problem in attack was that Alexis Vega and “Chucky” Lozano played very isolated and separated, they could hardly team up and each had to solve their chances individually.
As in the first game, our best player was Alexis Vega, who thrilled us with a free kick in the 43rd minute that came close to being a goal but was saved by “Dibu” Martinez. Vega also tried in added time with a deflected shot from outside the area.
Argentina was not comfortable on the field, Argentina’s star Lionel Messi was sometimes between three Mexican players, it was not until the last play of the first half that they put El Tri in trouble, Lautaro Martinez and Angel Di Maria would not appear.
Argentina’s goals
Messi spent most time with a double and triple marking, until in the 64th minute he found a hole, he was assisted, made a good reception and hit hard and low to the corner from outside the box. Impossible for Guillermo Ochoa.
From that moment on, Argentina took control of the rhythm and tempo of the match, Tata made some changes and they attacked a little more with Antuna and Jiménez, but they never troubled the Albiceleste’s goal.
In the 86th minute, Messi assisted Enzo Fernández after a corner kick, who cut back and took a strong shot high into the corner that became the final score of the match.
Mexico’s chances
Mexico now faces Saudi Arabia and all 4 teams have a chance to qualify to the round of 16, El Tri will need to win by 2 or 3 goals, depending on the result in the other match between Argentina and Poland.
Although the chances are small, Mexicans tend to be very optimistic and as long as there is a chance we will continue to support El Tri.
