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The second round match, where teams that enjoy playing good attacking football and know each other well meet. The Argentines and Mexicans have played against each other 23 times. 11 matches ended in a draw, Argentina won eight, and the Mexicans won the rest of the matches.
Argentina - Mexico Time: 22:00 (Lithuanian time) Location: Leipzig
Argentina's Path to the Quarterfinals
The Argentines, although placed in a group dubbed as one of the most powerful "groups of death," had an easier path to the knockout stage than their North American counterparts. Argentina secured their place in the quarterfinals after the second group stage, while Mexico only entered the knockout stage at the very end.
In the first match, Argentina claimed victory against one of the strongest teams from the African continent - Ivory Coast, defeating them 2-1. Hernan Crespo and Javier Saviola excelled, while Didier Drogba softened the result for the Africans.
In the second match, the South American representatives showed their strength by "devouring" a completely failed Serbian and Montenegrin team. The Argentines celebrated a 6-0 victory in the match and secured a place in the next round in advance, as Ivory Coast's eleven lost to the Netherlands.
The third match was just a formality - it was just necessary to determine who would take the first and who would take the second spot in the group. The match against the Netherlands ended goalless, but due to a better goal difference, Argentina ended up in first place.
Mexico's Path
Mexico had a much more challenging path to the quarterfinals, and the team secured its place only after the final stage.
In the first match, after a tough battle, Mexicans defeated Iranian footballers 3-1, but they complicated their situation in the match against Angola, which ended goalless.
In the final round, the fate of the top spots was decided. Both Portugal and Mexico could take the first spot, but Mexico could also remain in third place. Although Mexico lost to Portugal in the final match, this result did not stop them from advancing, as the Angolan footballers failed to take advantage of this slip-up - they ended their match against Iran in a draw and remained in third place.
Predictions
The Argentine players, with one of the best attacking lines in this championship, are undoubtedly favorites for this match. Their chances are rated by bookmakers at least 6 times better.
On the other hand, the Mexican attack is slightly weak. Although the team defeated Iran 3-1, they failed to beat the Angolan footballers and also lost to Portugal, only advancing to the next stage with one victory.
Lineups
The Argentine team can rejoice - all players are healthy and ready for this match. However, most likely, just like in the first and second matches, the young talent Lionel Messi should start from the bench. It is also unclear what Luis Gonzalez's form will be. This player missed the match against the Netherlands due to a strained groin but should be ready for this match.
Meanwhile, the Mexicans suffer losses. Defender Luis Perez received a red card in the match against Portugal, so we will definitely not see him in this match.
In the match against Angola, Mexican forward Jared Borgetti suffered an injury, and it is expected that he will recover by the quarterfinal match. However, there is a good chance that the player will have to start on the bench or even miss the match as a spectator.
Thoughts before the match
Argentina
After the match against the Netherlands, team striker Carlos Tevez was very dissatisfied with the draw and said that the team needs to play better in the knockout stages. "We need to improve our game," said the striker.
"Mexico is an opponent we need to respect," said Argentine defender Roberto Ayala.
Mexico
Mexico's head coach Ricardo La Volpe: "Our problem is missed opportunities. We must correct this. We have good strikers, and we must take advantage of our opportunities."
It is also unclear whether forward Jared Borgetti will recover in time for the match. "Jared suffered a serious muscle injury. We hope he will recover by the match against Portugal, but we understand that it is complicated," said team doctor Jose Luis Serrano.
Predicted lineups
Argentina: Abbondanzieri; Burdisso, Ayala, Heinze, Sorin; Maxi, Mascherano, Cambiasso, Riquelme, Saviola, Crespo
Mexico: Sanchez, Salcido, Pineda, Marquez, Osorio, Castro, Torrado, Naelson, Pardo, Bravo, Franco.
