Argentina prevented an early exit from the World Cup in Qatar. The South American champions won their second group game against Mexico 2-0 (0-0) and now have a place in the round of 16 in their own hands.
Superstar Lionel Messi (64th) and substitute Enzo Fernandez (87th) scored in front of 88,966 spectators in Lusail on Saturday evening (26.11.22) for the “Albiceleste”, who played against Saudi Arabia (1: 2) disgraced to the bone. The performance of the two-time soccer world champion was again not really convincing. Only after Messi’s goal did Argentina’s game gain stability.
“We knew we had to be strong. It was a difficult game, very complicated at the beginning. We were slow to come into play. We didn’t play the way we should have played in the first half. But in the second half we We got into the game after the goal,” said Messi.
Wednesday final against Poland
Next Wednesday (30.11.22, 20:00 CET) the Argentines can qualify for the round of 16 with a win against Poland. A draw and Saudi Arabia’s win over Mexico would have eliminated them, as would Mexico’s four-goal win over the Saudis.
Vegas elbow use goes unpunished
In the duel South America against Central America, English toughness was initially trumps. Both teams fought even the most trivial duels in midfield with a lot of passion, which led to some suffering. Argentina’s full-back Gonzalo Montiel, for example, was on the ground for a while after five minutes after opponent Alexis Vega had probably not accidentally extended his arm in a running duel.
Referee Daniele Orsato only gave a few words of warning, but no yellow card.
A lot of fighting, little footballing finesse
A generous interpretation of the rules by the Italian, whose whistle was often blown afterwards. The game was interrupted countless times after minor or major fouls. Game flow could of course arise very little. The football entertainment value was – to put it kindly – low. In view of the explosiveness of the encounter, however, this was not surprising. The pressure on Argentina after the embarrassment against the Saudis was too great.
And Mexico, who had played 0-0 against Poland in the opening game, also had to score points in the fight for one of the top two group places.
Messi almost ineffective before the break
The result of this pressure situation, which was uncomfortable for both teams, was a battle of attrition that was difficult for the spectators to watch, in which Messi more or less went under in the first half. When the 35-year-old was on the ball, it was at least slightly dangerous. But Messi wasn’t often on the ball.
Mexico’s Argentina coach Gerardo Martino’s tactic of using a five-man defense worked well. Most of the attacks by the “Albiceleste” were stopped in time.
Mexico with the only significant chance
Mexico’s creativity in moving forward was also within manageable limits. After all, the eleven-time Gold Cup winner had a decent chance before halftime: Vega showed that he is not only good at working with his arms, but also has a fine little foot: Keeper Emiliano Martinez, however, kept his free kick caressed over the wall safely (45+1).
Messi scores out of nowhere
After the change of sides, Argentina tried to increase the pressure and intensify the game on the wings. But the South American champion didn’t get any depth in his attacks. The fact that Mexico now had all ten outfield players deep in their own half at times didn’t make the task for coach Lionel Scaloni’s team any easier. But then there was Messi.
When the exceptional footballer had some space in the 64th minute, he took aim with his powerful left foot and overcame keeper Guillermo Ochoa with a well-placed low shot. Messi made history with it: scoring his eighth World Cup goal in his 21st World Cup game drew level with Argentina’s “soccer god” Diego Maradona, who died almost exactly two years ago to the day.
Mexico has nothing more to add
Now Mexico had to give up their basic defensive orientation and try to give the game more footballing input. However, the Martino team found it difficult to slip into the role of director. It lacked strength and class. And Mexico don’t have a Messi in their ranks who can change the statics of the game with a single action.
The outsider’s efforts to equalize were not worth mentioning. And when Fernandez made it 2-0 with a subtle flick, the Central Americans were finally defeated.