PREVIEW: FIFA World Cup Group C - Argentina vs Mexico

Group C: Argentina vs Mexico

26 November 2022

Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail

KO- 21:00 (SA Time)

Match Preview: 

Argentina return to Lusail Stadium, where Herve Renard’s Saudi Arabian men pulled off the unthinkable by downing the Copa America champions 2-1 to throw Group C wide open after the first round of fixtures.

Tonight’s meeting will see Mexico attempt to end a more than 18-year winless streak against the Albiceleste, whom they last beat in the Copa America back in 2004.

Mexico’s hard-fought goalless draw in their opener against Poland afforded the Argentines a lifeline, meaning their fate remains in their own hands as two victories in the two remaining group fixtures would still guarantee their place in the Round of 16. 

But finishing second in the group would not be ideal for Lionel Scaloni’s charges, given the strong possibility of meeting defending world champions France in the knockout stage. 

The biggest test for the two-time world champions will be how quickly they make their attack count after failing to break through Herve Renard’s defensively sound Saudi Arabia side, which cost them dearly.

Former Argentina and FC Barcelona mentor Tata Martino leads El Tri and will fancy himself to come up with something special against his country of birth, especially after Saudi’s inspirational feat of twice breaching the Albiceleste’s defence and their own display against the Polish.

Plenty is at stake in this fourth meeting between the two teams, with Argentina having never lost to Mexico in a World Cup fixture.

Players to watch 

Lautaro Martinez - Argentina

A key member of Scaloni’s team that ended a 28-year wait for Argentina to win the Copa America title in 2021, Martinez has established himself as one of the leading attackers for the Albiceleste. 

At Inter Milan, he was the main source of goals that saw them lifting the Scudetto in the 2020/21 season, netting 25 times.

In Scaloni’s three-man attack at the top, Martinez plays a key role in the high-press and his quick interplays with Messi have left many victims on the floor.

Hirving Lozano - Mexico

As a 23-year-old in the opening game of El Tri’s 2018 World Cup campaign, Lozano announced his arrival in style as he stunned then-defending champions Germany in a 1-0 win. 

The right-winger, who is now in his third year at Napoli, will be looking show his class in Qatar and continue his club form of seven goals – four goals and three assists – in Serie A and the UEFA Champions league this season. 

Lozano’s dangerous runs could be ideal against a rather static Argentina defense.